The words ‘look,”see,’ and ‘watch’ can easily confuse students of English because they all refer to actions performed with our eyes. While they can be used interchangeably, this is frequently incorrect.
Look
Definition: To look at something for a reason, with an intention.
Examples: Look at that boy running around.
Look at this picture I clicked yesterday.
See
Definition: See means to notice or become aware of someone or something by using your eyes.
Examples: Did you see that shooting star?
I saw you at the market today.
Watch
Definition: To look at (someone or something) for an amount of time and pay attention to what is happening.
Examples: I want to watch TV for a while
Watch your step, you almost stepped on my foot.
The differences in definitions reveal information about how each word is used. When discussing the use of the sense of sight, the word see is commonly used. Look and watch, on the other hand, are commonly used when referring to paying attention to what you see. Look is used to indicate where you are focusing your attention. The term “watch” is used to indicate that you are paying attention to something by looking at it for an extended period of time.
In Brief:
– If you are talking about something that your eyes simply observe, you can use “see.”
– If you are directing your eyes at something, use “look.”
– If you are paying attention to something, like a game or television program, for a period of time use “watch.”
