Learn English with True Grit

Following the murder of her father by a hired hand, a 14-year-old farm girl sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. Marshal she can find—a man with 'true grit'—Reuben J. 'Rooster' Cogburn.

Why learn English with True Grit?

"True Grit" tells the story of Mattie Ross, a brave 14-year-old girl who hires a tough U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn, to track down Tom Chaney, the outlaw who killed her father. Mattie insists on joining Cogburn on his dangerous journey into Indian Territory. Along the way, they meet a Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf, who is also after Chaney for a different crime. The movie follows their adventure as they face challenges like harsh weather, outlaws, and difficult terrain. From this movie, you can learn vocabulary related to the Wild West, such as "marshal," "outlaw," "bounty hunter," "grit," and "posse," as well as legal terms like "warrant" and "affidavit." This Western adventure is full of exciting action and explores themes of courage, determination, and revenge. Mattie's strong will and Cogburn's gruff personality create interesting dialogue and show a range of emotions, from grief and anger to determination and resilience. The language used in the movie is a mix of formal and informal English, with some Southern American dialect, which can help you understand different speaking styles. You'll hear conversations, negotiations, threats, and even some humorous exchanges, offering valuable exposure to diverse language use. Watching "True Grit" can be a fun and engaging way to improve your English. The clear storyline and captivating characters will keep you interested, while the dialogue provides opportunities to learn new words and phrases in context. The movie's setting in the American West also introduces you to a specific historical period and culture. By listening to the different characters speak, you can improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation. And because the story deals with universal themes, you'll find it easy to connect with and discuss even as you're learning.

Words from True Grit

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in True Grit:

everlasting: lasting forever; unchanging
softly: in a gentle, pleasant and quiet way; not harsh or bright
credence: belief in something as true
avenge: to get revenge on someone for harming you, your family, or your friends
coward: a person who avoids danger, difficulty, or pain because they are not brave
rob: to steal money or items from a person or location
papa: a casual word for father
fort: a fortified building or place where soldiers are stationed for defense or training
mustang: a small wild horse found in America
pony: a small type of horse
rifle: to steal something
intervene: to become involved in a situation, often to improve it or interrupt it
flee: to leave a place or person very quickly, usually because of fear
casket: a small decorated box for valuables, especially from the past
specify: to clearly state something, often with specific details such as time or measurements