Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone

I understand "see a movie" is a popular collocation, but I wonder if the following sentences are fine.

1. I was seeing a movie in a theater when the earthquake broke out.
2. I was seeing a movie at home when Tom gave me a call.

I think "watching" would be better in the sentences above because you don't normally use "see" in the progressive aspect, but I'm not sure.

Is it okay to say "I was seeing a movie" like in #1 and #2?

yoshi-pooh

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Yoshi -

'see' a movie

'watch' TV

You go to a theater to 'see' a movie.

You 'watch' a movie on TV at home.

Philo

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi everyone

Philo, thanks for your reply.

So, is it okay to say, "I was seeing a movie in the theater"?

yoshi-pooh

[pugachevV]

I watch a movie at home.
I watch a movie when I'm in the theatre.
I'm going to see a movie, when I am going to the theatre.
I'm going to watch a movie when I'm going to look at it on a DVD, or on TV.
Probably, there are regional differences in usage.

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi everyone

pugachevV, thanks for your reply

I'd like to make sure my point again.

I wonder if it's okay to say "I was seeing a movie".

The progressive form of "see" looks strange to me. That's why I posted the question. My guess is that even though "to go to see a movie" is a common phrase, it would be better to say "I am/ was watching a movie" in the progressive aspect.

Thank you

yoshi-pooh

[pugachevV]

There's nothing wrong with the English when you say, "I was seeing a movie."

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi pugachevV,

Thanks again for your reply.

yoshi-pooh