see to

USAGE SUMMARY

"see to" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to mean "take care of," and it is most commonly used in the imperative form--e.g. "Please see to it that the job gets finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can you see? —To some extent.

Vice

I tell you what.

Vice

See to it immediately.

The New Yorker

I'll see to it personally".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'd see to that".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I see to that".

The New York Times - Arts

I'll see to that".

The New York Times - Books

Montgomery has helped him see to it.

The New York Times - Sports

Their four World Cups see to that.

Independent

"Can't see to find them".

The New York Times - Sports

"But I can't see to the side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "see to", consider if a more direct verb like "ensure" or "handle" would make your writing more concise.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "see to" can make writing sound passive. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "manage", "arrange", or "execute" for a more dynamic tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "see to" is a phrasal verb. It typically acts as a transitive verb, requiring an object (either directly or through "it") to complete its meaning. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

24%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "see to" is a phrasal verb commonly used to express the act of taking care of something or ensuring its completion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency is classified as common, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, remember to consider alternative verbs for conciseness and tone. The information contained herein illustrates several usage considerations, style tips, and provides examples, making it a trustworthy resource for refining your English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take care of

This alternative directly replaces "see to" with a more common and straightforward expression.

attend to

This phrase implies a more direct and immediate action of dealing with something.

ensure

This suggests guaranteeing that something happens or is done.

make sure

A more informal way of expressing the same meaning as "ensure".

handle

Focuses on managing or dealing with a task or situation effectively.

deal with

Similar to handle, but can also imply resolving a problem.

arrange for

Emphasizes the planning and organization aspects of making something happen.

take responsibility for

Highlights the aspect of accountability in managing or taking care of something.

oversee

Implies a supervisory role in ensuring something is done correctly.

look after

This alternative focuses on providing care and attention to someone or something.

FAQs

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

"See to" can be used to mean taking care of something or ensuring something happens. For example, "Please "see to" it that all the reports are filed by Friday."

What can I say instead of "see to"?

You can use alternatives like "take care of", "attend to", or "ensure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "see to it" or "take care of it"?

Both phrases are correct, but "take care of it" is generally more common and less formal. "See to it" often implies a degree of responsibility or authority.

What's the difference between "see to" and "look into"?

"See to" means to take care of or attend to something, while "look into" means to investigate or examine something. They are not interchangeable.