when curtain went up vs when curtains went up

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'When the curtain went up' is used when referring to a single curtain in a theatrical context, while 'When the curtains went up' is used when referring to multiple curtains in a general context.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 770 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a single curtain in a theatrical context.

"when curtain went up"

This phrase is used when describing the moment the single curtain on a stage is raised at the beginning of a performance.

Examples:

The audience held their breath when the curtain went up, revealing the stunning set design.
When the curtain went up, the actors took their places on stage.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 7, 2011 ... But the heavy price paid by Arab journalists did not reserve a front-row seat for the Lebanese or the Arab press when curtain went up on the ...
... Full-page of cartoons by Bill Gallo “Stars Who Sparkled When Curtain Went Up ” featuring President William Howard Taft in the middle of the page, surrounded ...

Alternatives:

when the curtain was raised
when the curtain lifted
when the curtain was drawn
when the curtain opened
when the show began

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple curtains in a general context.

"when curtains went up"

This phrase is used when talking about multiple curtains being raised or opened, such as in a home or a venue with multiple curtains.

Examples:

When the curtains went up, the room was flooded with sunlight.
The event started when the curtains went up, revealing the new product.

Show examples from the web [+]

Broadway came out in force and celebrated itself March 22 when Curtains went up at the Al Hirschfield Theatre. It's your garden-variety Backstage Murder ...
When curtains went up around manufacturing lines at a Chinese factory, so did productivity. Lines that were enclosed in this fashion generated 10% to 15% ...
These individuals made western midtown a theater district, not just when curtains went up at 8:00 p.m., but every morning, afternoon, and evening. They crafted ...
Oct 27, 2012 ... Well, the shock of Goldie and The Gingerbreads when curtains went up, was always a great thing to look at from stage…..I loved it…I always ...

Alternatives:

when the curtains were raised
when the curtains lifted
when the curtains were drawn
when the curtains opened
when the show began

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when curtain went up vs when curtains went up