see this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "see this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to direct someone's attention to something specific, often in a context where you want them to look at or consider a particular item or piece of information. Example: "If you have a moment, please see this document I prepared for our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"See this?

The New York Times

"You see this office?

The Economist

Some see this.

The Economist

(See this week's "Girls").

The New York Times

(Also, see this).

The New York Times

See this remote?

The New Yorker

They see this, too.

The New York Times

(See this video).

The New York Times

Let's see this through".

Independent

See this right here?

The New Yorker

"You see this counter?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "see this" to draw someone's attention to something tangible or immediately present, whether it's a physical object, a visual element, or a piece of information right in front of you. Ensure the context makes it clear what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "see this" when the object of attention is unclear or not immediately visible. Instead, specify what you want the reader or listener to focus on to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "see this" functions primarily as a directive or an imperative, aiming to focus the listener's or reader's attention on a specific item or piece of information. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "see this" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for directing attention to something specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a directive, with the primary goal of highlighting an item or idea to facilitate understanding or action. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is most frequently encountered in news and media sources. While it can be used across different contexts, ensuring clarity in reference is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look at this

Emphasizes visual attention and direct observation.

take a look at this

Slightly more formal than "look at this", encouraging a closer inspection.

have a look at this

Similar to "take a look", but with a slightly different phrasing.

check this out

More informal, suggesting discovery or excitement about something.

notice this

Highlights something that might be easily overlooked.

observe this

Suggests a more scientific or detached observation.

pay attention to this

Emphasizes the importance of focusing on something.

take note of this

Stresses the need to remember or record something.

consider this

Encourages thought and reflection, not just visual attention.

behold this

Archaic and dramatic, used for emphasis or in theatrical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "see this" to direct someone's attention to something specific. For example, "See this report? It contains all the data we need."

What's a more formal way to say "see this"?

In a more formal context, you could use alternatives like "observe this" or "consider this" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "look at this" instead of "see this"?

Yes, "look at this" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "see this", especially in informal contexts. Both phrases serve the same purpose of directing someone's attention.

When should I use "see this" versus "consider this"?

"See this" is best when referring to something visually apparent or immediately present. "Consider this", on the other hand, is more appropriate when asking someone to reflect on an idea or piece of information.