[Grammar] Deviate From Script

[learningspirit]

This dictionary has the following definition for the verb "deviate":


"to start doing something different from what is expected or agreed"


, with an example usage:


"Try not to deviate too much from the script."


A "script" is the printed text that an actor say in a show or movie, not directions for what to do. The definition of "deviate" requires that it be followed by some action, not some prepared text (script). So, would the following rewrite:


"Try not to deviate too much from saying the script."


be better?

 

[tedmc]

No, the original is better. "Deviate from the script" means that the conversation becomes different from the written text (script). It is understood that the script is translated to spoken conversation. 'Saying' doesn't work, probably 'following'.

 

[Skrej]

No, because in addition to the written words the actor is supposed to say, a script will also include some general instructions about how to say the words, emotional state, movement instructions,and more. All kinds of instructions that help set the scene.

So, an actor might still be saying the correct words, but saying them in the wrong manner (happily instead of angrily), or doing the wrong thing (sitting when he's supposed to be walking), looking in the wrong direction, etc.

 

[learningspirit]

But, if "script" is replaced with "prepared text", would this:


"Try not to deviate too much from saying the prepared text."


be better than this:


"Try not to deviate too much from the prepared text."

?

 

[tedmc]

It is more than just saying or reading the text in acting. A whole range of expressions are involved as Skrej mentioned.

 

[learningspirit]

@tedmc

But, "prepared text" removes all the acting stuff.

 

[Skrej]

But, if "script" is replaced with "prepared text", would this:


"Try not to deviate too much from saying the prepared text."


be better than this:


"Try not to deviate too much from the prepared text."

?

No, you would still say "try not to deviate too much from the prepared text".

Edit:
Similarly, you'd say:
"don't deviate from the schedule"
"don't deviate from the menu"
"don't deviate from the itinerary"
"don't deviate from the route"

Notice how none of those examples have extra verbs in them, i.e. it's not "don't deviate from driving the route" or "don't deviate from serving the menu", etc.

 

[Matthew Wai]

saying the prepared text.

I would use 'speaking' instead of 'saying', but I am not a teacher.

"to start doing something different from what is expected or agreed"...
The definition of "deviate" requires that it be followed by some action, not some prepared text (script).

The definition requires that 'from' be followed by 'what is expected or agreed', which applies to the prepared text (script), i.e. the text is expected to be spoken (the script is expected to be followed).

 

[tedmc]

"Speaking" the prepared text does not work either. I agree with Skrej that the gerund is not required as what you do with the text is understood,

 

[Matthew Wai]

"Speaking" the prepared text does not work either.

Why can't text be spoken?

the gerund is not required as what you do with the text is understood,

I think the gerund should not be used by definition, but I am not a teacher.

 

[tedmc]

Because speak is an intransitive verb.

 

[Matthew Wai]

speak
8 [transitive] speak something
• He spoke the final words of the play.
── quoted from http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/speak_1?q=speak

Not a teacher.

 

[tedmc]

A question for the teachers -

Can you say "speaking the prepared text"?

 

[Matthew Wai]

A question for the teachers:

Do you think 'Spoken Texts' is properly used below?
https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/spoken-text

 

[teechar]

Because speak is an intransitive verb.

She speaks three languages.
;-)

 

[teechar]

A question for the teachers -

Can you say "speaking the prepared text"?

It is not incorrect, although I would prefer "reading the prepared text."

 

[tedmc]

She speaks three languages.
;-)

That is a different meaning of "speak" from the context in this thread.

 

[tedmc]

It is not incorrect, although I would prefer "reading the prepared text."

Do you say "speaking the words" then"?

 

[teechar]

Do you say "speaking the words" then"?

Have a read of the example sentences here:
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/speak

;-)

 

[learningspirit]

How about:

"Try not to deviate too much from the prepared text."

versus:

"Try not to deviate too much from speaking from the prepared text."

Is the latter better than former because the nature of the deviation is explained more clearly by "speaking from the prepared text" than just "the prepared text"?