Common English Mistakes in Screenplays by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from Saudi Arabia when writing a Screenplay in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of formal expressions ('I am honored to inform you...')

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY AHMED, a young man in his twenties, stands nervously in front of his parents, MR. and MRS. ALI, who are seated on the couch. AHMED FatherMom, MotherDad, I wam honoredt to informlet youknow that Iha’ve decided to pursuefollow my dreams of becoming an actor. It’m is with great respect and utmost sincerity that I express mlly gratitefudel for your support, and Iit means am deeply privilegedot to have your blessincouragsement as I embstark ont this journey.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"Changes were made to reduce the number of formal expressions and make it sound more "conversational.""

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY AHMED, a young man in his twenties, stands nervously in front of his parents, MR. and MRS. ALI, who are seated on the couch. AHMED Mom, Dad, I want to let you know that I’ve decided to follow my dream of becoming an actor. I’m really grateful for your support, and it means a lot to have your encouragement as I start this journey.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY AHMED, a young man in his twenties, stands nervously in front of his parents, MR. and MRS. ALI, who are seated on the couch. AHMED Father, Mother, I am honored to inform you that I have decided to pursue my dreams of becoming an actor. It is with great respect and utmost sincerity that I express my gratitude for your support, and I am deeply privileged to have your blessings as I embark on this journey.

Mistake Example #2

Misuse of verb tense (e.g., 'He go to school' instead of 'He goes to school')

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY ALI sits at a small table, staring out the window. He sips his coffee slowly, lost in thought. His friend, AHMED, enters and sits across from him. AHMED: Ali, why doyou look so worried today? ALI: I amthinking about the future, Ahmed. I want to make sure I choose the right path. AHMED: You always think too much, my friend. Sometimes, you justneed tojust trust yourself and take the firststep.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few small changes were made to refine the script."

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY ALI sits at a small table, staring out the window. He sips his coffee slowly, lost in thought. His friend, AHMED, enters and sits across from him. AHMED: Ali, why do you look so worried today? ALI: I am thinking about the future, Ahmed. I want to make sure I choose the right path. AHMED: You always think too much, my friend. Sometimes, you need to just trust yourself and take the first step.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY ALI sits at a small table, staring out the window. He sip his coffee slowly, lost in thought. His friend, AHMED, enters and sits across from him. AHMED: Ali, why you look so worried today? ALI: I think about the future, Ahmed. I want to make sure I choose the right path. AHMED: You always think too much, my friend. Sometimes, you just need to trust yourself and take the step.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY AmiraMIRA sits at a small table, nervously tapping her fingers. She looks around, waiting for her friend, KhalidHALID. When hHe finally arrives,and she stands up and waves. "AMIRAI was worried heyou wouldn't come,". sShesays with a smiles.KhalidHALID (laughs, ")Of course, I wouldcoame. ShYou'reis my best friend."They both sit down, and.Amira asks, "MIRADid you bring the book I lent you?"KHALID Khalid(nods, "ding)Yes, I finished it. HeIt was very interesting."

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for masculine and feminine pronoun correctness, and also for screenplay formatting."

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY AMIRA sits at a small table, nervously tapping her fingers. She looks around, waiting for her friend KHALID. He finally arrives and she stands up and waves. AMIRA I was worried you wouldn't come. She smiles. KHALID (laughs) Of course I came. You're my best friend. They both sit down. AMIRA Did you bring the book I lent you? KHALID (nodding) Yes, I finished it. It was very interesting.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY Amira sits at a small table, nervously tapping her fingers. She looks around, waiting for her friend, Khalid. When he finally arrives, she stands up and waves. "I was worried he wouldn't come," she says with a smile. Khalid laughs, "Of course, I would come. She is my best friend." They both sit down, and Amira asks, "Did you bring the book I lent you?" Khalid nods, "Yes, I finished it. He was very interesting."