seeverb
To see is to take something in with your eyes, and from that to take an idea in with your mind: to understand it, find it out, or make sure of it.
with your eyesnotice or become aware of someone or something by using your eyes
transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + bare infinitive [V + obj + inf] verb + object + -ing form [V + obj + -ing] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]
- I can't see anything in this fog. V + obj (with can)
- From the top of the hill you can see the whole town. V + obj
- We saw the children run across the yard. V + obj + inf (the whole action)
- I saw Omar waiting at the bus stop. V + obj + -ing (part of the action)
Collocations
verb + adverb see clearly, see well, see properlyCompare look (look is on purpose and takes at); watch (watch is for a time, at something that moves or changes); notice
For translators (sense 1)
Grammar trap After see plus an object, a bare infinitive reports the whole action (I saw him leave) and an -ing form part of it (I saw him leaving). In the passive the infinitive takes to: He was seen to leave. This sense is not used in continuous forms, and the present usually takes can: I can see it.understandunderstand something, or realize that it is true
transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] verb + that-clause [V + that] verb + object [V + obj] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]
- Do you see what I mean? V + wh
- I see that you've already finished. V + that (notice)
- I can't see why we have to leave so early. V + wh
- Kim just doesn't see the problem. V + obj
Collocations
Synonyms understand
Compare realize
find outfind out something by looking, asking, trying, or waiting
transitive [T] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] verb + object [V + obj]
- I'll go and see if the mail has come. V + wh
- Let's see what happens when we press this button. V + wh
- Try the soup and see whether it needs more salt. V + wh
- We'll just have to wait and see. (fixed phrase)
Synonyms find out
Compare check
meet or visitmeet someone, visit them, or go to them for help
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]
- I'm seeing the dentist at ten tomorrow. V + obj (continuous form for a fixed plan)
- We don't see much of Kim these days.
- Come and see us when you're in town! V + obj
- The manager will see you now. V + obj
Collocations
Synonyms meet; visit
think ofhave a picture of someone or something in your mind, or think of them in a particular way
transitive [T] verb + object + as + noun or adjective [V + obj + as] verb + object + -ing form [V + obj + -ing] verb + object [V + obj]
- I just can't see Ravi as a manager. V + obj + as
- We see this as a chance to start again. V + obj + as
- Can you see yourself living in the country? V + obj + -ing
- The two sides see the problem very differently. V + obj
Collocations
Synonyms regard (regard is more formal)
Compare imagine
make suremake sure that something is done or happens
experienceexperience something, or be present when it happens
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]
- Mari has seen a lot of hard times. V + obj
- In thirty years of teaching, Lee saw many changes in the school. V + obj
- This old coat has seen better days. V + obj (is old and worn)
Synonyms experience; witness
go withgo with someone to a place, to be polite or to make sure that they get there safely
transitive [T] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]
- Let me see you to the door. V + obj + prep + obj
- Omar saw her home after the party.
- I'll see you across the road. V + obj + prep + obj
Collocations
Synonyms accompany (accompany is more formal)
Compare see off (see someone off: go to the station or airport with them)
in writinglook at the page or the part of a text that is named, to find more information
Phrases
see you informal
goodbye for now
Said to someone you expect to meet again, often with a time: see you later, see you tomorrow, see you at six. It is short for I'll see you.
I see
I understand
Said in reply to show that you have understood, or are taking in, what someone has just told you. Depending on the tone, it can also sound cool or unimpressed.
you see informal
as you will understand when I explain
Used in speech when you give a reason or explain something the other person may not know. See? or You see? on its own means that what you said before has turned out to be right.
we'll see informal
Said when you do not want to give an answer yet, especially to a request. It often means probably not.
see for yourself
look at something so that you know it is true, instead of trusting what you are told
as far as I can see
see fit to do something formal
choose to do something because you think it is right, even if other people do not
I'll see what I can do informal
Word family
Choosing between see · look · watch
See is what your eyes do without effort: you see whatever is in front of them (I saw a light in the window). Look means to turn your eyes toward something on purpose, and it takes at (Look at that light!). Watch means to look at something for a time, especially something that moves or changes (We watched the birds for an hour). You see a movie or a play, but you watch television.
Usage
For what is in front of your eyes right now, English says can see rather than see: I can see the sea from here, not I see the sea. See on its own in the present is for general statements (I see him every day) and for understanding (I see what you mean). Neither the eye sense nor the understanding sense is used in continuous forms.
Common mistakes
For what your eyes take in, see is not used in continuous forms, and the present usually takes can.
See also sight