see directly

USAGE SUMMARY

"see directly" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to emphasize understanding something without needing additional explanation: "When I saw her facial expression, I could see directly that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were all organized so you walked in and could see directly into all the rooms.

The New York Times

It is an effect you can see directly from the studies of identical twins carried out at St Thomas'.

The Guardian

From the tiny studio on West 24th Street, he can see directly into million-dollar condominiums in the Chelsea Mercantile building.

The New York Times

His office is on the basement floor -- the room he shared with his brother when they were children -- and he can see directly out to the sidewalk.

The New York Times

The first let the world see directly into the company's culture: headquarters employees gathered around and sitting on the floor, and a CEO sounding like an angry headmaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

They'll see directly with their own eyes something that very few human beings have seen: what the world looks like from above the atmosphere.

The Guardian

While onlookers can see directly through the studio walls, Harvey and her numerous collaborators cannot see or hear the audience gathered on the other side of the glass.

The Guardian - Music

I believe the key reason for so many problems in the world today is the fact we no longer have to see directly the repercussions of our actions.

The Guardian

By fitting the main tank at the plane's center of gravity, Mr. Hall had to move the cockpit farther back, where the pilot could not see directly ahead.

The New York Times - Science

That summer was unusually sunny so I worked a lot outside, drawing what I could see directly with pencil or Rotring pen.

The Guardian - Books

From his desk, he can look out the window and see, directly across Sixth Avenue, the studios of Fox News, the broadcast home of his rival Bill O'Reilly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "see directly" to emphasize an immediate and clear understanding or visual perception without the need for inference or interpretation. For example, "I could see directly that he was lying because of his nervous fidgeting."

Common error

Avoid using "see directly" when the context already implies direct observation. For example, instead of saying "I could see directly the car approaching", simply state "I could see the car approaching" if there's no suggestion of indirect viewing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "see directly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'see' is the main verb and 'directly' acts as an adverb modifying the verb. This construction specifies the manner of seeing, indicating an immediate and unobstructed observation or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "see directly" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize immediate and unobstructed visual perception or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a verb phrase emphasizing the clarity and immediacy of an observation. It's prevalent across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries, denoting a neutral formality level. Related alternatives include "observe firsthand" and "have a clear view". When using "see directly", ensure it adds meaningful emphasis and avoids redundancy, thus enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

see with one's own eyes

Emphasizes personal observation and direct experience.

have a clear view

Indicates an unobstructed line of sight.

witness directly

Highlights the act of being present and observing an event or situation without intermediaries.

observe firsthand

Emphasizes personal observation and experience, rather than just visual perception.

perceive immediately

Focuses on the speed and ease of understanding or sensing something.

discern instantly

Highlights the ability to distinguish or recognize something rapidly.

view unobstructed

Stresses the absence of any barriers to seeing clearly.

recognize instantly

Focuses on immediate identification or acknowledgement.

comprehend immediately

Shifts the focus from visual perception to immediate understanding.

understand without mediation

Emphasizes the lack of intermediaries in gaining understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "see directly" to indicate a clear, unobstructed view or immediate understanding. For example: "From the hilltop, we could see directly into the valley below." or "By examining the data, analysts could see directly the impact of the new policy."

What is a synonym for "see directly"?

Alternatives to "see directly" include "observe firsthand", "witness directly", or "have a clear view" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "see directly"?

In some contexts, using "see directly" can be redundant if the directness of the observation is already implied. Consider whether the "directly" adds meaningful emphasis or can be omitted for conciseness.

What's the difference between "see directly" and "see indirectly"?

"See directly" implies immediate and unobstructed visual perception. "See indirectly", on the other hand, suggests observation through a medium, inference, or secondary source.