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Similar meanings

Look vs See vs Watch

What is the difference between look, see and watch?

See happens without trying, look is a short, deliberate action, and watch means looking at something for a while, usually because it moves or changes.

Look vs See vs Watch at a glance

  • look

    /lʊk/ · verb

    To turn your eyes towards something on purpose, usually for a short time.

    • Look at this photo of my new flat.
    • She didn't even look at me when I walked in.
    “look” in the vocabulary guide
  • see

    /siː/ · verb

    To notice something with your eyes, often without trying.

    • I can't see the screen from the back of the room.
    • Did you see that car? It almost hit the cyclist.
    “see” in the vocabulary guide
  • watch

    /wɒtʃ/ · verb

    To look at something for a period of time, especially something that moves or changes.

    • We usually watch a film on Friday nights.
    • Can you watch my bag while I go to the toilet?
    “watch” in the vocabulary guide

How to remember it

See = your eyes are open. Look = you point them. Watch = you keep them there. TV, films and matches are watched.

Good to know

Look needs at before an object: look at something. Look for means try to find. You see a film at the cinema but watch a film at home or on TV, and you see a doctor or a friend (meet them). Past forms: see, saw, seen.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: I looked a great film last night.

    Right: I watched a great film last night.

  • Wrong: Look this! It's amazing.

    Right: Look at this! It's amazing.

  • Wrong: I'm watching but I can't find my keys.

    Right: I'm looking, but I can't find my keys.

Quick quiz

  1. 1.Do you want to the football match at my place?

  2. 2.Turn on the light, I can't anything.

  3. 3.Can you at my essay and check the spelling?

Pick the right word for each gap.

Often confused too