before the play started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the play started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period prior to the beginning of a theatrical performance. Example: "The audience was buzzing with excitement before the play started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I was messing with LeBron before the play started," Butler said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's funny, because when I did my first play on Broadway, I used to go out about 15 minutes before the play started and just lie on the floor of the stage; through the curtain I could hear the audience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If you've got 10 minutes before the play starts, you'll get some backstory before you go in.

The New York Times

In 'The Electric Ballroom,' before the play starts, Ada sees a dog run over, right in front of her.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, April 25 , 1925P. 8 Descriptions of various people before the play starts, who are wandering around backstage.

The New Yorker

Beginners sometimes say admiringly of an expert friend: "So-and-so knows every card in everyone's hand before the play starts".

The New York Times - Arts

An inexperienced back will either lean towards or look where he will go before the play starts, however do NOT rely on this.

WikiHow

But the impact of the play starts before a runner reaches base, Reynolds said.

The New York Times - Sports

In The Departure, a short film written by Andrew O'Hagan and directed by Anderson herself for the Young Vic, she has imagined Blanche's life just before the play starts.

The Guardian

The league has not made much of a fuss over the animated GIFs, which are perfect at capturing instances of embarrassment and absurdity — a baseball player tumbles over a fence, ESPN's football score box shows one team leading another by 975 points, a spectator swears or a football player mows down another before the play starts.

The New York Times - Sports

Get into the defender's head before the play starts.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting a scene or telling a story, use "before the play started" to indicate the atmosphere, actions, or events leading up to the main theatrical performance.

Common error

Avoid using "before the play started" in contexts where "play" refers to a game or other non-theatrical activity. Ensure the context clearly indicates a theatrical performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the play started" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action or event occurred in relation to the commencement of a theatrical performance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before the play started" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase indicating a time preceding a theatrical performance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English. It serves to provide temporal context, setting the scene or describing events leading up to the performance. Although it is generally neutral in register, slightly more sophisticated alternatives may be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media, reflecting its broad applicability in describing cultural events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before the show began

Replaces "play" with "show", making it applicable to various types of performances.

before the curtain rose

Uses a metaphorical reference to the curtain rising, common in theater contexts.

prior to the performance beginning

Substitutes "play" with "performance" and "started" with "beginning" for a broader application.

prior to the commencement of the play

Replaces "before" with "prior to" and "started" with "commencement", increasing formality.

in the moments before the play began

Highlights specific moments and replaces "started" with "began", providing similar meaning.

leading up to the start of the play

Emphasizes the period leading up to the beginning, rather than a specific point in time.

ahead of the play's opening

Uses "ahead of" instead of "before" and focuses on the "opening" of the play.

in anticipation of the play's beginning

Highlights the anticipation or expectation surrounding the play's start.

in advance of the play's debut

Uses "in advance of" instead of "before" and "debut" in place of "started" for a slightly more formal tone.

preceding the play's initial act

More theatrical-specific, referring to the initial act rather than just the start.

FAQs

What does "before the play started" mean?

It refers to the period leading up to the commencement of a theatrical performance. It describes events, actions, or the general atmosphere in the time preceding the beginning of the play.

How can I use "before the play started" in a sentence?

You can use it to set the scene, describe characters' emotions, or explain events that occurred just "prior to the play's beginning". For example, "The audience was buzzing with anticipation before the play started."

What are some alternatives to "before the play started"?

Alternatives include "prior to the performance beginning", "before the curtain rose", or "leading up to the start of the play".

Is it appropriate to use "before the play started" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing theater or performance arts. However, for very formal contexts, you might consider more sophisticated alternatives like "prior to the commencement of the play".