based on the screenplay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on the screenplay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a work, such as a film or play, that is adapted from a screenplay. Example: "The movie is based on the screenplay written by the acclaimed author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A new "Star Wars" novel explains how Annakin Skywalker became Darth Vader; based on the screenplay.

The New York Times

Instead, he would ask composer Gabriel Yared to write several test themes and variations based on the screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

(Ages 14 and up) 6 8 5 ZATHURA: THE MOVIE, adapted by Ellen Weiss, based on the screenplay by David Koepp and John Kamps.

The New York Times

The work is based on the screenplay of the beguiling Agnès Varda classic from 1962, "Cléo From 5 to 7," in which a pop singer awaits the results of a medical test.

The New York Times - Arts

The book is loosely based on the screenplay you and Spike Jonze wrote for the film "Where the Wild Things Are," which, of course, is based on the book by Maurice Sendak.

The New Yorker

Directed by Dennis Gansel; written by Jan Berger, based on the screenplay "The Dawn," by Mr. Gansel; director of photography, Torsten Breuer; edited by Ueli Christen; costumes by Anke Winckler; produced by Christian Becker; released by IFC Films.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Directed by Tom Savini; screenplay by George A. Romero, based on the original screenplay by John A. Russo and Mr. Romero; director of photography, Frank Prinzi; edited by Tom Dubensky; music by Paul McCollough; production designer, Cletus R. Anderson; produced by John A. Russo and Russ Streiner; released by Columbia Pictures.

The New York Times

He began working on a film based on the Argentinian screenplay and eventually enlisted Mr. Soderbergh and Mr. Clooney as producers.

The New York Times

As bright as a showgirl's sequin and as patriotic as a jam sandwich, Terry Johnson's new stage musical is based on the original screenplay of the 2005 film starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.

Independent

In 1964, Pan Books published a novelisation of the film by author John Burke, described as "based on the original screenplay by Alun Owen".

Wikipedia

The sixth and final one, The Tomb of Ligeia, based on the first filmed screenplay by Robert Towne, was shot in Britain because it was cheaper to work here.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing adaptations, specify how closely the new work adheres to the original screenplay to provide clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid claiming a work is "based on the screenplay" if it only borrows a few minor elements; instead, use terms like "inspired by" to accurately reflect the degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on the screenplay" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating the origin or source material for a particular work, such as a movie, novel, or play. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on the screenplay" serves to clearly establish the source material of an adapted work. It is grammatically correct and commonly used to link films, novels, and plays to their originating screenplays, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, this phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, indicating a work's origin. Alternatives like "adapted from the screenplay" and "derived from the screenplay" can provide nuanced ways of expressing this relationship, depending on the desired emphasis. Be mindful of overstating the connection, ensuring that the phrase accurately reflects the degree of influence from the screenplay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adapted from the screenplay

Emphasizes the process of adaptation, highlighting how the screenplay was modified.

with the screenplay as its foundation

Highlights the foundational role of the screenplay in the work's creation.

derived from the screenplay

Focuses on the screenplay as the source from which the work originates.

originating from the screenplay

Highlights the screenplay as the initial point of creation.

built upon the screenplay

Indicates a process where the screenplay serves as a base for further development and elaboration.

inspired by the screenplay

Indicates that the screenplay served as a creative spark, but the final work may differ significantly.

developed from the screenplay

Implies a process of growth and evolution from the screenplay's initial form.

drawing from the screenplay

Suggests a more selective use of the screenplay's elements in the creation of the work.

fashioned after the screenplay

Indicates a deliberate attempt to emulate the style and structure of the screenplay.

taking cues from the screenplay

Suggests a more subtle influence of the screenplay, with the work incorporating elements in a less direct way.

FAQs

What does it mean when a movie is "based on the screenplay"?

It means the movie's story, characters, and key elements are derived from a previously written screenplay. The final film closely follows the screenplay's narrative.

How is a movie "adapted from the screenplay" different from being "inspired by the screenplay"?

Being "adapted from the screenplay" implies a more direct and faithful translation of the screenplay's content. Being "inspired by the screenplay" suggests a looser connection, where the screenplay serves as a creative starting point but the final work may significantly diverge.

What can I say instead of stating that something is "based on the screenplay"?

You can use alternatives such as "adapted from the screenplay", "derived from the screenplay", or "drawing from the screenplay" depending on the context and the degree of influence.

Is it correct to say a book is "based on the screenplay"?

Yes, it is correct. It indicates that the book's narrative is primarily derived from the content of the screenplay. Several examples confirm its appropriate use in this context.