Shall we see / watch a movie?

[Tan Elaine]

We say "Shall we see a movie?"when we are referring to the cinema. Would it be correct if I say "Shall we watch a movie?"

Thanks.

 

[philo2009]

Not merely correct, actually preferable! 'See' with 'movie' tends to occur mainly in the past tense, e.g.

I saw a good movie yesterday.

or the future

We're going to see a movie tomorrow.

but in other forms, including hortatives such as 'Shall we...?', 'watch' tends to be more common.

In some cases, most notably the present progressive with real present reference, 'see' verges on unacceptable, thus

A: What are you doing at the moment?
B: I'm watching a movie.

(rather than: ?...seeing...)

 

[AlexAD]

The OALD says that the verb shall is getting more and more unpopular, even amongst the British where it originally appeared.
I don't understand why learners continue using this verb ;-)

 

[Rover_KE]

I don't understand why learners continue using this verb.

It's because 'Shall we watch a film?' does not mean the same as 'Will we watch a film?'

Rover

 

[5jj]

The OALD says that the verb shall is getting more and more unpopular, even amongst the British where it originally appeared. I don't understand why learners continue using this verb

The OALD says this of 'shall' with future reference. It then says, "In BrE shall is still used with I and we in questions or when you want to make a suggestion or offer". Learners use it because it is correct and natural in BrE.

 

[Tan Elaine]

From the repy by Philo, can I conclude that if I ask my friend whether he wants to go to the cinema with me, I would have to ask "Shall we see a movie?" However, when my friend and I are in the cinema and the movie has started, then I say "We are watching a movie."

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

From the repy from Philo, can I conclude that if I ask my friend whether he wants to go to the cinema with me, I would have to ask "Shall we see a movie?". However, when my friend and I are in the cinema and the movie has started, then I say "We are watching a movie."

I think if you turned to your friend and said 'We are watching a movie', he might feel that he didn't really need to be told this. ;-) philo's last example is more realistic.

If my neighbour says to me, "Shall we see a movie this evening?" I assume that she is suggesting a trip to the cinema. If she says, "Shall we watch a movie this evening?" I assume that she is suggesting that we sit in front of my DVD player.

 

[Tan Elaine]

Thanks, 5JJ.

Your explanation leaves me with no doubt regarding the topic. Many thanks.

 

[AlexAD]

It's because 'Shall we watch a film?' does not mean the same as 'Will we watch a film?'

What would be the difference? I guess with 'shall' it is like a suggestion and 'will' is like asking have we decided to see a movie. Is that so?

 

[Tdol]

The OALD says that the verb shall is getting more and more unpopular, even amongst the British where it originally appeared.
I don't understand why learners continue using this verb ;-)

It is alive and well in BrE in some uses.

 

[AlexAD]

Well, I admit I was wrong. Just didn't read that carefully.

 

[philo2009]

From the repy by Philo, can I conclude that if I ask my friend whether he wants to go to the cinema with me, I would have to ask "Shall we see a movie?" However, when my friend and I are in the cinema and the movie has started, then I say "We are watching a movie."

Thanks.

Correct regarding the second part. However, if you read my post carefully, you'll see that I recommend 'watch' also for the first example!

 

[AlexAD]

What would be the difference? I guess with 'shall' it is like a suggestion and 'will' is like asking have we decided to see a movie. Is that so?

It seems that my question get shadowed

 

[Tdol]

You're right, though- will we watch a movie could be a decision, an imposition, etc. :up:

 

[Barb_D]

I'm not sure if I'm not reading Philo correctly (entirely possible) or if I simply completely disagree.

I'm in complete agreement with 5jj. I would never suggest we "watch" a movie if I'm asking my friend if we should spend our evening at the cinema.

A: What do you want to do tonight?
B: I don't know. Want to go see a movie? -- Clearly a trip the cinema.
B: I don't know. Want to go watch a movie? -- Not natural, unless you add something like "at my house, where I have a ton of movies on DVD."
B: I don't konw. Want to watch a movie? -- Implies you have movies at home to watch.