What's the Difference? - 3

LOOK / SEE / WATCH

'Look', 'see' and 'watch' can easily confuse students of English as they all relate to actions done with our eyes. Many students have difficulties knowing which verb they should use.

Let's look at some definitions:

SEE - To be aware of what is around you by using your eyes. This is often an unintentional action. For example, when you are walking down the road and you see an accident happen. You were not walking down the road with the intention of seeing an accident, it just happened and you saw it.

LOOK (AT) -To direct your eyes intentionallyin order to see something . This verb is usually used when we are talking about looking at inanimate objects. For example, your friend may ask you to look at their wedding photographs.

WATCH - To look at something intently for a period of time, usually something which is changing or moving. For example, you watch the news in the evening to find out what has been happening in the world.

Of course there are always some exceptions. For example, the verb see is often used with the noun 'film' when we are not focussing on the actual action of looking at the screen and observing what happens.

Have you ever seen Titanic?

I saw the new Brad Pitt film last night.

I'm going to see a film with John.

On the other hand in the following example we have to use the verb watch because we are talking about looking at the screen.

While I was watching the film the telephone rang.

So, if you think you understood that, try out this online quiz and practise!