The movie starts in 20 minutes. vs The movie starts at 20 minutes.

The phrase 'the movie starts in 20 minutes.' is correct, while 'the movie starts at 20 minutes.' is incorrect. The preposition 'in' is used to indicate a period of time before an event, while 'at' is used to specify a particular time.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 639 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the movie will begin after a period of 20 minutes.

"The movie starts in 20 minutes."

Use 'in' when referring to a time period before an event or action.

Examples:

The train will arrive in 10 minutes.
She will finish her presentation in an hour.

Show examples from the web [+]

Brian, the movie starts in 20 minutes.
You better hurry, the movie starts in 15 minutes.
The movie starts in 10 minutes.
Second shift starts in 20 minutes.
His interview starts in 20 minutes.
My shift starts in 20 minutes.
Girls, school starts in 20 minutes.
The chemical fallout may start in 20 minutes.
The game starts in 20 minutes.
Just so you know, the movie starts in 10 minutes.
Warp core overload in 20 minutes.
No, the movie starts in one hour.
The movie starts in an hour.
'Cause I think the movie starts in like...
Anywho, contest starts in 20 minutes...
My movie starts in five minutes.
Sir, the movie's been over for 20 minutes.
Last train to New York from South Station in 20 minutes.
There's a train in 20 minutes.
Pluna Airlines flight #6 will depart in 20 minutes.

Alternatives:

the movie starts in 5 minutes.
the movie starts in half an hour.
the movie starts in a few minutes.
the movie starts in a moment.
the movie starts in a while.

This phrase is incorrect in English. 'At' is not used to indicate a time period before an event but rather a specific time.

"The movie starts at 20 minutes."

Avoid using 'at' to refer to a time period before an event. Instead, use 'in' for this purpose.

Show examples from the web [+]

Brian, the movie starts in 20 minutes.
The movie starts at 10:00.
You better hurry, the movie starts in 15 minutes.
The movie starts in 10 minutes.
Sir, the movie's been over for 20 minutes.
Just so you know, the movie starts in 10 minutes.
Another way of saying that is "the movie starts at midnight, and it's already 5:00."
No, the movie starts in one hour.
hang out till the movie starts.
The movie starts in an hour.
'Cause I think the movie starts in like...
Warp core overload in 20 minutes.
Your relationships last about 20 minutes.
Wanda arrives in exactly 20 minutes.
I'll kill you if you make that noise once the movie starts.
Okay, I've got a game we can play when the movie starts.
You never sat next to him when he's yelling at the Coca Cola polar bears before the movie starts.
My movie starts in five minutes.
Some of us got jobs we should have been at 20 minutes ago.
I myself heard him cry out and ring for the conductor at 20 minutes to 1.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

The movie starts in 20 minutes. vs The movie starts at 20 minutes.