LOOK, WATCH, SEELearn the distinction between these words

English has a very clear distinction between

looking, watching,

and seeing.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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.

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

WATCHED, LOOKED AT, OR SEEN?

Watch Look SeeI 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 .

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

CREATE YOUR OWN SENTENCES: MATCH EACH PICTURE WITH

LOOK, WATCH, OR SEE

This slide presentation was created by Michele W. Snider, teacher for SkimaTalk, Inc., and author of

http://www.myvirtualenglish.com

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