Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[zackzhou]

hello everybody:

I am a beginner of learning English. I am excited to join your forum and desire your instructions. Recently, I am confused British English with North American English, especially in some particular usages. Can you tell me the exact difference between British English and North American's. For instance, American often speak "see movie", but not "watch moive" commonly used in England.

thanks

[bud]

Hi Zack,

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of little differences between the two, but they are close enough that it is easy to understand the second one for the native speaker of the other. I'd suggest you do a search and you'd probably find some websites, or maybe a book.

As for your specific question, I can speak from an American English viewpoint. We use both of your examples. If we go to a theater, I think we almost always use 'see.' Ex.: "We saw a great movie last Friday night at the new multiplex theater."

If we see it at home, we very commonly use either. Ex.: "We finally watched 'Seabiscuit' last night." is no more or less likely than "We finally saw 'Seabiscuit' last night."

Hope that helps.

[The Unknown Su]

Aside from the accent, there are many subtle differences between North American English and the English of say, Australia or England. However, it is not uncommon to say, "Let's go watch a movie tonight," in North America as well.

[zackzhou]

thank you, I got it