screenplay

USAGE SUMMARY

'screenplay' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is most commonly used to refer to the script of a movie, television show, play, or other form of audio-visual production. Example sentence: The director read the screenplay quickly in order to be able to shoot the movie on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leigh and Minghella were nominated for best screenplay, with Leigh an early favourite for his story about the comically strained relationship between Gilbert and Sullivan.

The Guardian - Film

Woman in Gold is released in cinemas next month, but at its premiere in Berlin the Austrian reviewers were generous about its portrayal of a national reluctance to face the art crimes of the past, according to playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell, who wrote the screenplay.

The Guardian - Arts

The choice between the two men for best original screenplay offers Academy members a unique opportunity to make a statement about movie violence, should they so desire, although there's not as much daylight between them as you might think.

The Guardian - Film

A sizeable critical smash, it was nominated for five Oscars and the film-maker also took home the prize for best original screenplay last month.

The Guardian - Film

The London Critics' Circle gave him best film and best original screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

Many had predicted recognition for Whiplash's editing and best supporting actor (JK Simmons), but Damien Chazelle's taut drama about a ferocious drum teacher also scored best picture, best sound editing and best adapted screenplay nominations.

The Guardian - Film

But there was nothing for Timothy Spall's performance, nor for Mike Leigh's direction or screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

Rival scientist biopic The Theory of Everything took five nominations, including one for best picture, one for each of its leads – Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne - one for music and another for adapted screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

Morgan, whose other work includes the screenplay for Margaret Thatcher biopic The Iron Lady, won the award for writing in a mini-series or movie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nominated for five Oscars, including a nod for the Pulp Fiction director's original screenplay, the film has been widely praised by critics.

The Guardian - Film

Book now Led by award-winning screenwriter Steve Attridge, this one-day course provides you with a strong introduction to some of the essential elements of a writing a good screenplay – from formatting a script for film or TV, to creating relatable characters and quotable dialogue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a film's awards or nominations, specify if the recognition is for 'original screenplay' or 'adapted screenplay' to provide clarity.

Common error

Remember that while "script" is a general term, "screenplay" specifically refers to scripts for films or television. Using "script" when "screenplay" is more appropriate can lack precision.

Linguistic Context

The term "screenplay" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the written script of a film or television show. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts related to film awards, writing processes, and adaptation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "screenplay" denotes the script for a film or television show. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, primarily in News & Media contexts. When discussing films, be specific about whether you're referring to an original or adapted screenplay. Synonyms include "film script" and "teleplay", depending on the medium. Avoid using "script" interchangeably with "screenplay" as "screenplay" is more precise when referring to film or TV scripts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

film script

Focuses specifically on scripts intended for films.

movie script

Similar to "film script", emphasizing the cinematic context.

script for a movie

Explicitly states the intended medium for the script.

script for a television show

Explicitly states the intended medium for the script.

teleplay

Specifically refers to a script written for television.

motion picture script

A more formal alternative for a film or movie "screenplay".

the script

A shortened form that assumes the context already makes it clear that it is a "screenplay".

shooting script

Denotes a screenplay that is prepared for production, including camera angles and other technical notes.

scenario

A more general term that can refer to an outline or plan for a film or play.

film narrative

Focuses on the story aspect of a film's script.

FAQs

How do I use "screenplay" in a sentence?

You can use "screenplay" in sentences like, "The film's "screenplay" was nominated for an award" or "She is working on the "screenplay" for her next film.

What's the difference between "screenplay" and "script"?

"Script" is a general term for the written text of a play, film, or broadcast. "Screenplay" is specifically the script for a movie or television program.

What are common synonyms for "screenplay"?

Common synonyms for "screenplay" include "film script", "movie script", and "teleplay", depending on the medium.

What is the role of a "screenplay" in filmmaking?

The "screenplay" serves as the blueprint for a film, guiding the director, actors, and other crew members in bringing the story to life. It includes dialogue, action, and scene descriptions.