Play on the nerves

[english_fan]

Test No. incompl/inter-30 "Flying on a Plane", question 3

Come to think of it the bit between leaving the ground and coming down again can also ......... on the nerves.

(a) strike
(b) play
(c) hit
(d) fall

Test No. incompl/inter-30 "Flying on a Plane", answer 3

Come to think of it the bit between leaving the ground and coming down again can also play on the nerves.

Correct answer: (b) play
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Hello. Your tests are very good. I have a quesion. What is the correct answer in this sentence. Why is it play and not plays? Thanks

[Alan]

Hi,

Glad you like the site and thank you for your comments. In this sentence play comes after the modal can and therefore is in the infinitive form as in this sentence: I hope you can understand my explanation.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Word Story: Dictionary

[englishfan]

Hello Alan yes I can understand your explanation

[Strawberry girl]

Hi, Alan
Unfortunately I haven't find the meaning about this phrase in my dictionary.Could you please explain it?Is it
a fix collocation?
Thanks!Wish you happy everyday!

[Alan]

Hi again,

Play on the nerves simply means make you feel nervous/tense/anxious.

Ok Strawberry?

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Phrasal Verbs/go

[Thuytu9]

Thanks Alan for your explanation. I got it.