play (with) lanterns

[queeniech]

1.The children play with lanterns at Moon festival.
2.The children play lanterns at Moon festival.

Are the above sentences both correct?

Thanks.

 

[tom3m]

NOT A TEACHER


I'd say that only 1. is correct as long as lanterns are objects and not a name for a game. However, wait for natives to be really sure.

 

[emsr2d2]

Tom3m is right. If "Lanterns" is the name of a game then you don't need "with". However, if you are simply trying to say that the children use various lanterns to play with, then you need "with".

I play poker (card game).
It is dangerous for children to play with a poker.

The children play doctors and nurses. (In the UK, this is the name of a game where children pretend to be members of the medical profession. Some people would write it as "Doctors and Nurses".)
Don't play with the doctors and nurses. They are very serious people. (Note, this is a rather silly example!)

 

[SoothingDave]

Playing doctor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Playing doctor" is a different thing here.

 

[Amigos4]

1.The children play with lanterns at the Moon Festival.
2.The children play lanterns at the Moon Festival.

Are the above sentences both correct?

Thanks.

;-)