until the play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until the play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time frame leading up to the start of a play or performance. Example: "We will wait until the play begins before taking our seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The two sat silently for many minutes until the play began.

The New York Times

I don't think it will be decided until the play is actually open.

The Guardian

"Until the play is over, he had the football," said Sherman.

The New York Times - Sports

Together they wrote and edited until the play, with 17 songs, took form.

The New York Times

On a bare stage they speak with compelling urgency until the play reaches its shocking denouement.

The Guardian

The Cowboys expected Haslett to send extra pass rushers all night long, and he did – until the play that sealed the game with three minutes remaining.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Super Rugby returns this weekend, and it's a frantic three rounds until the play-offs.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, as effective-winners-even-if-they-only-drew of the most lucrative game of all time until the play-off final, they've got the cash.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a fortnight until the Challenge Cup final, then it's another couple of weeks until the play-offs – and only this Tuesday, the voting form for the Engage Dream Team for 2010 dropped into my inbox.

The Guardian - Sport

But they then suffered two more injury blows, with Michael Monaghan dazed in a heavy tackle and Ben Westwood hobbling off with a torn calf that is likely to rule him out until the play-offs at least, and Saints must have fancied their chances when Willie Manu sidestepped over before half-time.

The Guardian - Sport

The experienced England centre Martin Gleeson has already been ruled out until the play-offs after having a hernia operation, and George Carmont is also a major doubt for the Hull KR game with a deep cut in his finger that forced him out of last Sunday's home defeat by Huddersfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until the play" to clearly define a timeframe that concludes with the commencement of a theatrical performance or a specific play within a larger event, such as a sporting match. For example: "The audience waited patiently until the play began."

Common error

Avoid using "until the play" when you mean "during the play" or "after the play". "Until the play" refers specifically to the period leading up to its start, not its duration or aftermath.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until the play" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating a duration leading up to a specific event (the play). Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until the play" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase functioning as an adverbial phrase of time. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively establishes a temporal boundary leading up to a theatrical performance or a specific event. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to casual discussions. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Sports" contexts. Remember to use it to specify a period ending with the start of a play and avoid confusion with phrases describing events during or after the play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until the performance begins

Clearly marks the beginning of the performance as the endpoint.

before the play starts

Specifies the time frame leading up to the commencement of the play.

leading up to the play

Highlights the events or period preceding the play.

in advance of the play

Indicates a period of time before the play commences.

in anticipation of the play

Focuses on the expectation and preparation for the play.

before curtain up

Uses theatrical jargon for the start of the play.

pending the performance

Emphasizes the waiting period until the performance takes place.

till showtime

A more colloquial term for the time leading up to the play.

prior to the theatrical production

Uses more formal language to indicate the time before the play.

up to the commencement of the play

Formally states the period ending with the play's start.

FAQs

How can I use "until the play" in a sentence?

Use "until the play" to indicate a period of time that lasts up to the start of a play or performance. Example: "The theater remained quiet "until the play" started".

What are some alternatives to saying "until the play"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "before the play", "leading up to the play", or "prior to the performance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "until the play is over" instead of "until the play"?

Yes, "until the play is over" is grammatically correct, but it has a different meaning. "Until the play" refers to the time before it starts, while "until the play is over" refers to the time before it ends.

Can "until the play" be used in contexts other than theatrical performances?

Yes, it can be used more broadly to refer to any type of "play" in the sense of a specific action or sequence in a game or event. For example, "The team strategized "until the play" was executed".