he can see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he can see" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's ability to perceive something visually. Example: "In the dim light, he can see the outline of the figure approaching him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He can see again!

The New Yorker

He can see the stumps".

The New Yorker

He can see it all".

The New York Times - Books

He can see ghosts.

The Guardian - Film

All he can see is the wall.

The New Yorker

But he can see it.

The Guardian - Books

He can see what hitters are doing.

The New York Times - Sports

He can see victories as vindication.

The Guardian - Sport

He can see the neighborhood changing.

The New York Times

That is all he can see.

The New Yorker

He can see what we can't.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "he can understand" or "he can discern" if you want to describe someone's ability to comprehend or recognize something, rather than their physical sight.

Common error

Avoid using "he can see" when you mean "he understands" or "he realizes" in contexts where visual perception isn't relevant. Choose a more appropriate phrase to convey comprehension, such as "he understands the implications" rather than "he can see the implications".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can see" functions primarily as a statement of ability. It indicates someone's capacity to visually perceive something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples of this phrase employed in sentences describing literal sight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he can see" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone's ability to perceive visually. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, primarily within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with literal visual perception, and consider alternatives like "he understands" for figurative meanings. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is able to perceive

This alternative replaces "can see" with a more formal phrasing using "is able to" and "perceive".

he is capable of seeing

This alternative uses "capable of seeing" to emphasize his ability to visually perceive something.

he has the vision to see

This alternative focuses on the ability to see something with clarity or foresight.

he is in a position to see

This alternative emphasizes the circumstances that allow him to see something.

he manages to see

This alternative suggests that he successfully sees something, perhaps despite a challenge.

he is given the opportunity to see

This alternative focuses on the chance or occasion that allows him to see something.

he gets to see

This alternative is a more informal way of saying he has the chance to see something.

he makes out

This alternative indicates he is able to discern something with difficulty.

he discerns

This alternative suggests he clearly recognizes or perceives something.

he observes

This alternative means he watches something carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "he can see" in a sentence?

Use "he can see" to indicate someone's ability to visually perceive something. For example: "He can see the mountains in the distance".

What can I say instead of "he can see"?

You can use alternatives like "he is able to perceive", "he is capable of seeing", or "he observes" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he can see" or "he is seeing"?

"He can see" indicates a general ability to see, while "he is seeing" implies a current action of seeing someone or something, or a scheduled meeting. Use the appropriate form based on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "he can see" and "he could see"?

"He can see" refers to a present ability, whereas "he could see" refers to a past ability or a conditional possibility. For example, "He can see the board clearly now", versus "He could see better with his glasses".