scripted dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

"scripted dialogue" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You would use it when referring to the dialogue written for a play, movie, or television show. For example: The actors had to memorize their lines since the dialogue was all scripted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The video camera, he feared, would reveal scripted dialogue, even his own, to be fake.

The New York Times

Currently, they're using scripted dialogue to demonstrate the overall experience; future plans include integrating automated speech recognition.

Cornell University

Hill Street Blues had a sprawling universe of engaging yet flawed characters, a zippy pace and layers of overlapping, scripted dialogue, shot in a documentary style.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He stood to earn another $100,000 for spending a day filming scripted dialogue segments for use in the attraction and for taping a vocal performance for the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade television show.

The New York Times

Within a few years, though, the very originators of the scheme had abandoned its key tenets, journalists were sick of talking about it, and Spielberg wasn't showing much sign of abandoning special effects or scripted dialogue.

The Guardian - Film

Hiddleston again: "Joanna imposes a very formal structure to the story as a whole – written by her as a tone poem or novella – but with no formally scripted dialogue, so within each beat there is a huge amount of freedom".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I have no idea why I did this (and I would often repeat the conversations), and in retrospect I realize the fantasies didn't have a locale — they were like scripted dialogues immersed in the ether.

Huffington Post

Or, if they are easy and designed for general use, the scripted dialogues seem more suited for the classroom than the field.

The New York Times - Travel

Since the height of the Michael Jordan era, the corporations have scripted the dialogue to the point where the playoffs have occasionally sounded less like a team competition and more like a one-on-one tournament.

The New York Times

Each time one of us started the corny, scripted call dialogue, we would burst out laughing and hang-up mid-conversation.

Huffington Post

The original story was written by Lee Minoff and based on the song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with some of the dialogue scripted by poet Roger McGough.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a performance, clarify if the "scripted dialogue" was strictly adhered to or if improvisation was involved.

Common error

Ensure context makes it clear whether "scripted dialogue" refers to a film, play, customer service interaction, or other scenario to avoid misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scripted dialogue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "scripted" modifies the noun "dialogue". It signifies dialogue that has been pre-written or planned, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scripted dialogue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that refers to pre-written dialogue, often in the context of performances or planned interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While its register is generally neutral, understanding the context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "prepared dialogue" or "prearranged conversation" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Its prevalence in news and media sources indicates its broad applicability in describing various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepared dialogue

Focuses on the preparation aspect, implying dialogue that has been planned in advance.

prearranged conversation

Emphasizes the pre-planning of the entire conversation, not just the dialogue.

written exchange

Highlights the written nature of the dialogue, suitable when the script is emphasized.

rehearsed lines

Implies that the dialogue has been practiced, often used in the context of performance.

predetermined speech

Stresses that the speech is decided beforehand, removing any spontaneity.

set piece of conversation

Suggests a fixed, often elaborate, part of a performance or interaction.

recited script

Focuses on the act of reciting from a script, emphasizing adherence to the written word.

memorized lines

Highlights the act of memorizing, shifting focus from the writing to the performance aspect.

canned response

Indicates a pre-packaged, often insincere, response that lacks originality.

formulaic exchange

Suggests that the dialogue follows a predictable, almost cliché, pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "scripted dialogue" in a sentence?

You can use "scripted dialogue" to describe conversations that are pre-written, often for theatrical performances or specific interactions. For example, "The play featured witty "scripted dialogue" that kept the audience entertained."

What's the difference between "scripted dialogue" and improvisation?

"Scripted dialogue" refers to dialogue that is written in advance, while improvisation involves spontaneous, unscripted conversation. One is planned, the other is made up on the spot.

What can I say instead of "scripted dialogue"?

You can use alternatives like "prepared dialogue", "prearranged conversation", or "written exchange" depending on the context.

Is "scripted dialogue" only used in the context of theater and film?

No, "scripted dialogue" can also apply to other situations where conversations are planned in advance, such as customer service interactions, political speeches, or even social encounters.