AEE 242: Why Hollywood Is Not Always Holly-GOOD for Your English

Can movies cause problems in speaking natural English?

Today, find out why mimicking phrases from movies can make it difficult to have natural-sounding English conversations!

Hollywood is drama. Its stories are fiction. This means that the language used by characters is often unrealistic.

Because of the unnatural dialogue, you don’t want to quote from movies unless it’s understood that you are quoting. Native English speakers do it all the time by slightly changing the tone of their voice. Even then, such quotes are usually made in a context that makes it clear that the usage is a little joke.

Some popular American movie quotes:

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump

“May the odds be ever in your favor.” – The Hunger Games

“May the force be with you.” – Star Wars

“Houston, we have a problem.” – Apollo 13

While it can be fun to directly quote movies, you want to try to sound more like a real English speaker, not a fictional character.

Do you have any favorite movie quotes in English?

Share the ones you love in the comments section below!