"They are in the cinema" vs "They are at the cinema."

Question

"They are in the cinema" vs "They are at the cinema."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'They are at the cinema' implies that the people are physically present at the location of the cinema, while 'They are in the cinema' suggests that they are inside the building or auditorium of the cinema.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the location of someone who is currently inside the cinema building or auditorium, suggesting that they are watching a movie or participating in activities there.

Examples:

They are in the cinema watching a movie.
I left my keys in the cinema.
Let's meet in the cinema lobby.
She works in the cinema as an usher.
He is waiting in the cinema for his friends.

Alternatives:

They are inside the cinema.
They are within the cinema.
They are indoors at the cinema.
They are within the cinema building.
They are inside the movie theater.

This phrase is used to describe the location of someone who is currently at the cinema, implying their physical presence at that place.

Examples:

They are at the cinema watching a movie.
I saw them at the cinema last night.
Are they at the cinema right now?
Let's meet at the cinema later.
She works at the cinema on weekends.

Alternatives:

They are at the movies.
They are at the theater.
They are at the cinema complex.
They are at the cinema hall.
They are at the cinema building.

Answer 1

They are in the cinema

This phrase is also correct and commonly used to indicate that someone is inside the building or auditorium of the cinema.

Answer 2

They are at the cinema.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that someone is physically present at the location of the cinema.

"They are in the cinema" vs "They are at the cinema."

They are in the cinema

They are at the cinema.

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