see
The verb see is used with several different meanings. Its past tense is saw. Its -ed participle is seen.
using your eyes
If you can see something, you are aware of it through your eyes.
I can see a light in her window.
Be careful
You usually use can in sentences like these. You say, for example, ‘I can see the sea’. You don't say ‘I see the sea’. Don't use a progressive form. Don't say ‘I am seeing the sea’.
You usually use can in sentences like these. You say, for example, ‘I can see the sea’. You don't say ‘I see the sea’. Don't use a progressive form. Don't say ‘I am seeing the sea’.
To say that someone was aware of something in this way in the past, you usually use could see.
He could see Amir's face in the mirror.
To say that someone became aware of something, use saw.
We suddenly saw a ship through a gap in the fog.
Be careful
Don't confuse see with look at or watch.
Don't confuse see with look at or watch.
➜ See see - look at - watch
meeting someone
See is often used to mean ‘visit’ or ‘meet by arrangement’.
You should see a doctor.
If two people are meeting regularly, for example because they are in love, you can say that they are seeing each other. When see has this meaning, it is usually used in a progressive form.
How long have Daniel and Ayeisha been seeing each other?
understanding
See is very commonly used to mean ‘understand’.
I don't see why she was so angry.
The situation could be complicated, if you see what I mean.
People often say ‘I see’ to show that they have understood something.
‘He doesn’t have any children.' – ‘I see.’
When see means ‘understand’, you can use can or could with it.
I can see why they're worried.
I could see his point.
Be careful
Don't use a progressive form when see means ‘understand’. Don't say, for example, ‘I am seeing why they’re worried'.
Don't use a progressive form when see means ‘understand’. Don't say, for example, ‘I am seeing why they’re worried'.