What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
film
Example
I watched a great film last night at the cinema. [film: noun]
Example
The director decided to film the scene in black and white. [film: verb]
Example
The car's windows were coated with a special film to reduce glare. [film: noun]
cinema
Example
Let's go to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster. [cinema: noun]
Example
He studied cinema in college and now works as a film critic. [cinema: noun]
Example
I prefer French cinema over Hollywood movies. [cinema: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Film and cinema are both commonly used words in the context of movies and the movie industry. However, film is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while cinema is more specific and is often used to refer to the movie theater experience.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between film and cinema?
Cinema is generally considered more formal than film, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.
