An explanation for intermediate to advanced English language learners on the differences and uses of look, watch, and see.This is the first lesson of the SkimaTalk course Misused and Misunderstood Words written by Michele W. Snider, SkimaTalk teacher and author of My Virtual English blog.

1. LOOK, WATCH, SEE
Learn the distinction between these words

2. English has a very clear
distinction between
looking,
watching,
and seeing.

3. Very simply, if it involves time and/or movement you are watching it.

4. If something isn't moving (like this slide you are reading right now),
you are looking at it.

5. Additionally, see sometimes means to understand. As in, "I can see how that makes you feel."
See is also used to mean “see clearly.” Example: I can’t see anything without my glasses.
Seeing is what happens naturally with the eye

6. WATCH CAN MEAN TO CARE FOR
OR LOOK AFTER SOMETHING
Websters Dictionary
gives three definitions
for watch:
•to look at (someone or something)
for an amount of time
This is the most common use of "watch." For
example: we watch people play sports; we
can watch the ocean tides roll in; we watch
the snow fall, the clouds move in or move
out; and we watch traffic while we are driving.
•to care for (someone or something)
for a period of time in order to make
sure that nothing bad or unwanted
happens
The woman is watching her friends' cat
while they are away. Watching in this
context means taking care of. "Looking
after" and "keeping an eye on" are
synonyms for this use.
•to give your attention to (a
situation, an event, etc.)
The man has been watching his stocks.
We can also say, "He has been keeping
an eye on his stocks." as well.

7. WATCHING CHILDREN CAN MEAN SUPERVISING
Although the man is not looking at the child, he is still watching him.

8. USE "WATCHING" TO MEAN: 1. OBSERVING SOMETHING
WITH MOVEMENT, 2. SUPERVISING, OR 3. KEEPING
TRACK OF SOMETHING
Demonstrate your understanding by making a sentence for each meaning.

9. WATCH VERSUS LOOK
Things we look at = observe briefly
• Books/Catalogs/Magazines
• Clothes
• Email/Mail/letters
• Scenery
• Screens of electronic devices
(including televisions)
• Things in a store
Things we watch = observe for awhile
• A "how to" presentation
• Movies
• Plays (theatrical performances)
• Races
• Things we are cooking
• Sports
• TV

10. WATCHED, LOOKED AT, OR SEEN?
Watch Look See
I watched their eyes
widen with surprise.
He looked into her eyes. I could see the sadness in
his eyes.
I watched her wave
good-bye.
We looked at the passengers
waving good-bye.
I could see him wave
good-bye.
We watched TV. I looked at the TV. I could see the TV.
He watched the clouds
roll by.
She looked at the clouds. They saw the clouds.
It's a matter of timing and intent
Demonstrate your understanding by explaining the differences in meaning to your teacher .

11. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES
BENEATH EACH PICTURE
Watch?
I am ________ at the frog.
I am ________ to see if he will jump.
I think he _______ me.* (*more than
one answer, explain the different
meanings)
Look?
I am _______ at Aspen tree leaves.
I can ______ that they are yellow.
I wonder what they will ______ like in a
week or two.
See?
We are ______the balloonists. * (more
than one answer, explain each)
We can ______ (finish the sentence)
Now, create your own sentences

12. CREATE YOUR OWN SENTENCES:
MATCH EACH PICTURE WITH
LOOK, WATCH, OR SEE

13. This slide presentation was created by Michele W. Snider, teacher for SkimaTalk,
Inc., and author of
http://www.myvirtualenglish.com
That's it!
We hope you enjoyed
it!