See, Look, Watch
In English, we use three main verbs to describe how we use our eyes: see, look, and watch. Each verb has a bit of a different meaning and is used in specific situations. Here’s when and how to use them.
SEE
The verb see means to notice something with your eyes without any special effort. It’s a passive process—you see things as they come into your view.
I can see a tall tree from my window.
Yesterday, I saw a cute squirrel in the park.
Common phrases with “see”:
see a doctor
I need to see a doctor for my headache.
see a movie (BrE film)
We’re going to see a movie tonight.
see someone
I saw Alex at the coffee shop.
see the difference
Can you see the difference between these two shades of blue?
see the point
I don’t see the point in arguing.
LOOK
The verb look means to direct your eyes in a particular direction intentionally. It implies a deliberate effort to observe something.
Look at that bright red flower!
Look at this drawing I made.
Common phrases with “look”:
look after someone
She is looking after her little sister today.
look around
Let’s look around the new bookstore.
look for something
I’m looking for my glasses.
look like
You look like your mother.
look out
Look out! There’s a bicycle coming.
WATCH
The verb watch means to observe something carefully over a period of time. It is used when you pay attention to something that is changing or moving.
I watched a funny cartoon last night.
We watched the stars twinkle in the evening sky.
Common phrases with “watch”:
watch out for something
Watch out for puddles on the sidewalk.
watch the game
We’re going to watch the soccer game later.
watch the news
I watch the news every evening.
watch TV
I usually watch TV in the afternoon.
watch your step (BrE mind your step)
Watch your step; the floor is slippery.
