SEE LOOK AT WATCH – video lesson
See Look Watch
The Basics:
SEE – the ability to use your eyes
Every day, I see people, birds, food, clothes etc.
I can’t see without my glasses.
Did you see any interesting animals on safari?
A: There should be some Coke on the fridge door.
B: Really? I don’t see any.
LOOK AT – to use your eyes to focus on something specific (something that isn’t moving)
I like to look at Instagram pictures on my phone.
Looking at the sun can damage your eyes.
I spent all evening looking at the stars. They are so beautiful.
Hey Clara, come and look at this interesting insect! What do you think it is?
WATCH – to use your eyes to focus on something specific (something that is moving/changing)
I watch football every Saturday.
We spend the entire evening watching Netflix.
The lion watched the gazelle through the grass, ready to attack.
I love watching my cat and dog play together.
More details:
SEE – SAW – SEEN
We use see to speak about the ability of our eyes.
The magician asked me if I could see anything in his hat. I couldn’t see anything.
We use see to speak about an appointment.
I’m seeing Dr. Gavin tomorrow about my stomach pains.
Receptionist: I’m afraid Mrs. Kurin is busy at 4, but she can see you at 5. Is that alright?
We use see to speak about being romantically involved with someone.
I’m seeing this great guy from my gym. I met him 2 months ago.
Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
We use see to say ‘I understand’.
A: We can’t use the PCs today because they are all being repaired. B: Oh I see.
Okay I see. Bread dough rises better in a warm room.
LOOK – LOOKED – LOOKED
If you use an object, you must use the preposition AT.
We use look to speak about focusing on something (something that isn’t moving).
I could spend hours looking at paintings in a museum.
We use look to introduce an honest opinion. We need to give this opinion because someone hasn’t understood something.
Look, I like you a lot, but I don’t want a boyfriend at the moment.
Look Susanne, you’re a beautiful girl, but you are never going to be a model.
We use look with many phrasal verbs. For example:
look for = to search
I’m currently looking for a job.
look up = to research information
I don’t remember that actor’s name. I’ll look him up on Google.
look up to someone = to admire and respect someone
I really look up to my mum. She’s such a strong woman.
We use look + adjective to say ‘appear’:
You look nice today. I really like your dress.
Oh wow, this lasagne looks amazing.
You look tired. Did you get any sleep last night?
WATCH – WATCHED – WATCHED
We use watch when we use our eyes to focus on something specific (something that is moving/changing).
I watch TV every night.
It’s a wonderful thing being a parent and watching your children grow up.
We use watch to say ‘protect and take care’.
Danielle, could you please watch my children tomorrow night?
Excuse me, would you mind watching my bag? I need to quickly run to the toilet.
We can use both LOOK OUT and WATCH OUT to say: Attention! Be careful!
If you’re a passenger in a car and you see a cyclist, you can say to the driver: Look out!
If you’re walking down the street and you see dog poo, you can tell your friend: Watch out!
Common question: Do we say watch a film or see a film?
We can use watch a film for any situation (at home, in the cinema, online, on TV).
We use see a film when we are specifically speaking about a film in the cinema.
