to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to see" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you want to observe or experience a certain thing. For example, "I wanted to see what the new restaurant was like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to see.

The New York Times

Lovely to see you".

The New Yorker

We have to see.

The New York Times

Very sad to see.

Independent

"It's great to see.

The New York Times

Just to see Malabo".

The New Yorker

Never to see ghosts?

The New Yorker

Try to see it.

The New Yorker

Click to see list.

The New York Times

You'll have to see.

The New York Times - Arts

"We'll have to see".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to see", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical sight, understanding, or experiencing something. For example, use "to see" for witnessing an event and "to understand" for grasping a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "to see" excessively in writing, especially when other verbs like "to observe", "to examine", or "to understand" would provide more precision and clarity. Overusing "to see" can make writing seem vague or less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to see" is as an infinitive, often serving as part of a verb phrase. It can also function as a noun, representing the act of seeing or understanding. Ludwig confirms that "to see" is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to see" is a versatile and very common element in the English language, as Ludwig confirms. Its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, make it an essential part of effective communication. While highly adaptable, writers should consider more precise alternatives like "to observe" or "to examine" in certain formal contexts. Be mindful of overuse and ensure clarity in conveying physical sight, understanding, or experiencing events. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively use the phrase "to see" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to observe

Focuses specifically on the act of watching something carefully.

to perceive

Emphasizes the mental process of becoming aware of something through the senses.

to witness

Highlights the act of being present during an event, often implying importance.

to view

Suggests a formal or deliberate act of looking.

to understand

Shifts the focus from physical sight to mental comprehension.

to realize

Implies a sudden awareness or comprehension of something.

to ascertain

Emphasizes the effort to find something out for certain.

to examine

Suggests a detailed and careful inspection.

to inspect

Implies a formal examination, often for flaws.

to discern

Highlights the ability to perceive or recognize subtle differences.

FAQs

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

You can use "to see" in various contexts, such as expressing a desire to watch something (e.g., "I want "to see a movie""), indicating comprehension (e.g., "I "to see what you mean""), or describing a visit (e.g., "I'm going "to see my doctor"").

What are some alternatives to "to see"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to observe", "to understand", "to witness", or "to examine".

Is it correct to use "to see" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally correct to use "to see" in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or sophisticated verb would be more appropriate. For instance, "to ascertain" might be better than "to see" when emphasizing verification.

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

"To see" generally implies perceiving something, whether intentionally or unintentionally. "To look", on the other hand, implies directing your gaze in a specific direction. For example, you might "look" for your keys but "see" a beautiful sunset.