One problem many Japanese students have when studying English is the various words we use for sight. The Japanese verb 'miru', 見る, covers a lot of situations where we use very different words. In the following few weeks I hope to give a better idea of how and when we use see, look at and watch. : )
See
We use see in a very general way. It is the ordinary verb we use to say that something "comes to our eyes". It doesn't mean that we are paying special attention to something.
For example;
I saw you at a cafe yesterday. Doesn't mean I was looking for you specifically or I stood and watched you. It simply means that I noticed you by accident.
There are also many two word verbs that can be even more confusing.
see off
To take leave of (someone):
A:) Why weren't you at work yesterday?
B:) Oh, I saw my friend off at the airport. She is going to San Francisco for a vacation.
see out
1 To escort (a guest) to the door:
A:) I'm leaving now.
B:) OK, I'll see you out.
see through
1 To understand the true character or nature of:
I saw through his lies.
2 To provide support or cooperation to (a person) throughout a period of time:
He is an excellent friend. He saw me through a very difficult illness.
see to
To attend to:
See to the chores, will you?
Confusing hey? These are only a few examples. Can you come up with any more?
Sight Words②: Look
