Theatre

Question

Theatre and theater are alternate namess for the same word correct? Also why is it that when people refer to cinema they always say for example: "let's go to the theatres", why do they add 's' and make it plural?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Theater/the theater/cinema/the cinema are concept terms.

A theater/a cinema are countable nouns describing buildings with particular functions.

In the old days, movie theaters were edifices - stand-alone works of art. Now they're factories.
In urban areas, several screens are often housed within a single large building, which amounts to an entertainment center.

"Let's go to the theaters" refers to a place. When we get there, we can think about which film we'd like to see.

It can also mean, "Let's go to the theaters" as opposed to "Let's rent a movie and watch it at home."

In the 40's and 50's we used to say, "Let's go to the movies." (plural) Or, "Let's go see a movie."
"Go to the movies" was the fixed expression for the activity, just like "go fishing."

Philip · Answer

Within some sub-cultures theater = movies and theatre = legitimate stage. It probably is a result of some sort of snobism, using the French spelling for the more "sophisticated". In my experience, we say "let's go to the movies" or "let's go to the theatre". ["In which theater did you see that movie?"]

Mr Wordy · Answer

PhilipWithin some sub-cultures theater = movies and theatre = legitimate stage. It probably is a result of some sort of snobism, using the French spelling for the more "sophisticated". In my experience, we say "let's go to the movies" or "let's go to the theatre".

In BrE a "theatre" is a place where plays (and other types of show) are staged. We do not use the spelling "theater". We normally call a place where films are shown a "cinema". I had previously assumed that AmE used "theater" for all meanings.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

In the 40's and 50's we used to say, "Let's go to the movies." (plural) Or, "Let's go see a movie."

Oh dear, I thought this was still commonly said in N. America.

When I lived in England years ago, we usually said 'Let's go to the pictures'. I don't know if that is still said.

Clive

Avangi · Answer

I think The Last Picture Showwas an American movie, set in the 40's and 50's.

Dinner And A Movie was a weekly TV feature not too long ago.

Perhaps I was too hasty!

CalifJim · Answer

Mr WordyI had previously assumed that AmE used "theater" for all meanings.

I don't believe I have ever used the word "cinema". It's always been "movie theater" for me. And, though I don't use this pronunciation myself, I'd estimate that for at least half of all Americans, it's thee ATE er.

CJ

Mr Wordy · Answer

CalifJimI don't believe I have ever used the word "cinema". It's always been "movie theater" for me. And, though I don't use this pronunciation myself, I'd estimate that for at least half of all Americans, it's thee ATE er.

Do you ever use the "sophisticated" theatre spelling that Philip mentioned?

Mister Micawber · Answer

I am woefully wishy-washy: theater, theatre-- I never settle down to one spelling. I go to the theatre for a movie or a stage performance, I go to the movies or a movie or a flick to see a film. The only picture show I know, though, is Rocky Horror's. (....Now where did I put my water pistol?)

Avangi · Answer

Do you ever use the "sophisticated" theatre spelling that Philip mentioned?

To me, the stage was always the theater. I always thought "the cinema" was invented half-way through my life by thespians who resented the idea of movies being shown in a theater.

I always took the "theatre" spelling in the US as just another bit of promotion by advertisers who are always looking for a new wrinkle to catch our attention.

Philip · Answer

CalifJimI don't believe I have ever used the word "cinema".

I think the only time I hear it is when talking about the industry: cinema/film

CalifJimfor at least half of all Americans, it's thee ATE er.

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