see it through

USAGE SUMMARY

"see it through" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to persist and complete something, or to endure a difficult situation. For example: "This has been a long and challenging project, but let's see it through to the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

See it through".

The Guardian - Business

See it through a pig's eyes.

The New York Times

He could see it through my eyes".

The New Yorker

You see it through their eyes".

Independent

I could see it through the slats.

The New Yorker

Hodžić decided to see it through alone.

The New Yorker

We've got to see it through.

Independent

Now he must see it through.

The Economist

He should see it through.

The Washington Post

See it through this time".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We haven't seen it through and been professional enough.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "see it through" to encourage perseverance in the face of challenges. It's a versatile phrase applicable to both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "see it through" casually when the commitment required is minimal. This phrase implies a significant investment of time and effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "see it through" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'see' with the particle 'through' to create a new meaning. It suggests the action of persisting with something until completion or resolution. Ludwig confirms that "see it through" is a commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

The Guardian - Sport

15%

The New Yorker

10%

Less common in

Forbes

8%

BBC

7%

TechCrunch

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "see it through" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the idea of persisting with a task or commitment until its completion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While the phrase carries a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal scenarios, be mindful of overuse in contexts requiring minimal commitment. Alternative phrases include "persevere to the end", "stick with it until finished", and "carry to completion" which can provide nuanced variations of the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevere to the end

Implies a sustained effort to overcome obstacles until completion, highlighting determination.

stick with it until finished

Emphasizes commitment and continued effort until the task is fully done, focusing on dedication.

complete the undertaking

Focuses on the act of finishing a project or task that has been started, highlighting the accomplishment.

carry to completion

Stresses the active role of bringing something to its final state, emphasizing initiative.

follow through to the conclusion

Highlights a step-by-step progression to a final result, focusing on process and adherence.

remain committed until done

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining dedication to a task until it is successfully completed, stressing loyalty.

endure to the fulfillment

Suggests facing and overcoming challenges to achieve a desired outcome, stressing resilience.

finalize the matter

Focuses on bringing a situation or issue to a close, highlighting resolution and settlement.

tough it out until the end

Implies dealing with a difficult situation through to the very end, emphasizing resilience and fortitude.

stay the course until the job is done

Underscores the need to maintain a steady path and continue working until the task is fully accomplished, stressing steadiness.

FAQs

How can I use "see it through" in a sentence?

You can use "see it through" to express the idea of completing a task despite challenges, for example: "We've invested so much time in this project, we need to "see it through"."

What does "see it through" mean?

The phrase "see it through" means to continue with something until it is finished, even if it is difficult. It suggests commitment and determination.

What can I say instead of "see it through"?

You can use alternatives like "persevere to the end", "stick with it until finished", or "carry to completion" depending on the context.

Is "see it through" formal or informal?

"See it through" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and professional settings. However, in highly formal contexts, a more sophisticated alternative might be preferable.