see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of perceiving something visually or to indicate that someone should look at something for more information. Example: "If you want to understand the concept better, see the diagram on page 10."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is easy to see why.

The New York Times

I see you.

The Guardian

It is not hard to see why.

The New York Times

One can see why.

The New York Times

We shall see.

The New York Times

"I just don't see it," he said.

The New York Times

If you see what I mean.

The New York Times - Books

I personally don't believe in any organised Gods because I don't see any organisation in the way the world has progressed.

The Guardian - Film

"But I look at people who have been in politics for five, 10, 15 years, and muck up, you see them muck up and think, 'You guys are supposed to be pro!' "People that have gone to Oxbridge, had thousands spent on their education, and I mean they are royally mucking up".

The Guardian - Sport

"It is regrettable when homes need to be demolished, but Annington's decision to redevelop the estate will see an increase in the number of homes by more than 100%, from 142 to 288, and the inclusion of 20% affordable homes will see a minimum of 59 created where there were none before.

The Guardian

My dream is to become one of the best sprinters in the world but I don't see how that can happen now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your choice of words to avoid repetition. Instead of always using "see", consider alternatives like "observe", "notice", or "perceive" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "see" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise verbs like "observe", "examine", or "determine" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "see" is as a verb, used to denote the act of perceiving visually, understanding, or ensuring an action. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use and grammatical correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "see" is a versatile and commonly used word in the English language, functioning primarily to describe visual perception, understanding, or ensuring something happens. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While "see" is generally neutral in tone, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "observe", "notice", "perceive", or "ensure" can enhance your writing's precision and impact. Be mindful of overusing "see" in formal settings where more specific verbs might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look at

Simple way to suggest observing something.

observe

Focuses on watching something carefully.

notice

Emphasizes becoming aware of something.

perceive

Highlights the mental interpretation of what is seen.

visualize

Focuses on creating a mental image.

understand

Indicates a grasp of the meaning or significance.

ensure

Focuses on making certain something happens.

ascertain

Emphasizes finding something out for certain.

witness

Implies being present at an event.

behold

Suggests a formal or literary observation.

FAQs

How can I use "see" in a sentence?

"See" can be used in many ways, such as to describe the act of perceiving with your eyes, understanding something, or ensuring something happens. For example, "I "see" the bird in the tree", "Do you "see" what I mean?", or "I'll "see" that it gets done".

What can I say instead of "see"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "observe", "notice", "perceive", "understand", or "ensure".

Which is correct: "see" or "watch"?

"See" generally refers to the ability to perceive with the eyes, while "watch" implies paying attention to something for a period of time. Therefore, the correct word depends on the context.

What's the difference between "see" and "look at"?

"See" generally implies involuntary perception, while "look at" implies a conscious and directed effort to observe something.