at the cinema vs in the theater

Both 'at the cinema' and 'in the theater' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'At the cinema' is commonly used in British English to refer to going to a movie theater, while 'in the theater' is more commonly used in American English to refer to being inside a building where live performances, such as plays or concerts, take place.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1129 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in British English to refer to going to a movie theater.

"at the cinema"

Use 'at the cinema' when talking about going to a movie theater to watch a film.

Examples:

I'm meeting my friends at the cinema to watch the new movie.
We had a great time at the cinema last night.
Do you want to go to the cinema this weekend?
There are some good movies showing at the cinema.
Let's grab some popcorn at the cinema.

Show examples from the web [+]

His girlfriend was waiting for him at the cinema.
I saw Apocalypse Now at the cinema.
Sometimes I pretend to be, in order to get concessions at the cinema, but they don't usually believe me.
<Honey, come down, otherwise we do not find parking at the cinema.
But we need to be at the cinema before Dennis's boss comes back.
Guy, I was with you at the cinema.
Got nervous, I was at the cinema with a guy and he starts moving his hands.
Our first little differences arose at the cinema.
It's not the same one we saw at the cinema.
I have been contacted by a constituent who is profoundly deaf and who wishes to see the introduction of colour subtitles on digital channels, DVDs and at the cinema.
We were meant to meet at the cinema, on the Monday night, so she could give me the card.
If anyone at the cinema even notices you exist, I promise I'll give you £400 million.
A cat chased after a dog at the cinema
Can actors see you at the cinema?
And that's exactly the same time they said they were at the cinema in Camden.
And we hope you've found this scientifically-backed-up DVD a useful and enjoyable survival guide to motoring in a post-apocalyptic world, and not in any way similar to any post-apocalyptic movies you may have seen at the cinema.
Whas it like at the cinema?
After you saw her at the cinema, you hardly spoke the rest of the evening.
Recently, I remember, at the cinema there was one in the front row...
At the Cinema Iran I saw a great movie'.

Alternatives:

going to the movies
watching a film at the theater
seeing a movie at the cinema
going to the cinema
catching a movie at the theater

This phrase is correct and commonly used in American English to refer to being inside a building where live performances, such as plays or concerts, take place.

"in the theater"

Use 'in the theater' when talking about being inside a building where live performances, such as plays or concerts, take place.

Examples:

We saw a great play in the theater last night.
The concert in the theater was amazing.
She works as an actress in the theater.
I love the atmosphere in the theater.
Theater is a great form of entertainment.

Show examples from the web [+]

You know what they say about telling secrets in the theater.
Then children shouldn't be in the theater alone.
You never say "good luck" in the theater.
Great, some other mutt must have smelled her in the theater.
I saw Ghost Busters in the theater.
Just like that delightful movie I taped in the theater.
It's only in the theater that you find such things.
Naturally, in the theater it's important that you choose the right part.
Lily saw Goonies in the theater right after her parents separated.
I like to see comedy in the theater.
Sometimes in the theater, the real drama happens before the curtain rises.
- Harry was in the theater.
Sorry. I saw it in the theater.
I saw "The Empire Strikes Back" in the theater.
Psycho is going to be my next movie, and I don't want anyone to know the ending until they see it in the theater.
Psycho is going to be my next movie, and I don't want anyone to know the ending... until they see it in the theater.
If the robbery that killed the father happened in the theater...
After I saw you in the theater that afternoon with the dancing Henrys...
No food or beverages in the theater!
I will be in the theater until noon for those of you bold enough to extend the wingspan of your creative spirit.

Alternatives:

at the theatre
inside the theater
watching a play in the theater
attending a concert in the theater
performing in the theater

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at the cinema vs in the theater

"at the cinema"

"in the theater"

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