See a movie or watch a movie

Question

Hi,Which one do you prefer? A. I like to watch a movie in the theater. But I don't like watch a movie on TV. B. I like to see a movie in the theater. But I don't like watch a movie on TV.or do you have any other opnions?

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

HanJHHi,
Which one do you prefer?

A. I like to watch a movie in the theater. But I don't like ~~watch~~ to watch/watching a movie on TV.

B. I like to see a movie in the theater. But I don't like ~~watch~~ to watch/watching a movie on TV.

or do you have any other opnions?

Both are fine.
An alternative might be "I like going to the cinema to see movies. I don't like watching them on TV"/

HanJH · Answer

Thank you, Feebs.

Anonymous · Answer

Hello HanJH. I wanted to give you the very simple way and correct way to use watch and see. You will see people amongst you and you will watch a film.
Watching is a passive action whereas seeing is an active action. It is that simple but most people get it wrong nonetheless.

I hope you found this helpful.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

AnonymousWatching is a passive action whereas seeing is an active action. It is that simple but most people get it wrong nonetheless.

Sorry, that is misleading. As far as movie goes, normal implied understanding is, people use "seeing", as in " would you like to see a movie tonight?" to suggest "are you interested in seeing a movie in the theater tonight ?"

When we say :" Let's rent a DVD and watch the movie at home" we use "watch" in active context. Did you watch the American Idol last night? Generally speaking we use "see" to suggest entertainment performed at bigger venue, and "watch" for viewing at home. i.e. I watched a great gulf tournament on TV yesterday.

See a movie or watch a movie

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