21
3
When should I use "look", "see", and "watch"?
I'm watching "Star Trek".
Have you seen "Star Trek"?
Are the examples above correct?
21
3
When should I use "look", "see", and "watch"?
I'm watching "Star Trek".
Have you seen "Star Trek"?
Are the examples above correct?
18
Here are some simple rules that will help deciding which word to use:
See is used as inactive word; you just see without any effort:
Look is used as active word, you make an effort to see:
Watch is also an active word; you also make an effort, but it is for a longer period of time:
Here's an example demonstrating the difference:
I'm looking, but I don't see it.
Back to examples:
I'm watching "Star Trek" — it is a continuous action;
Have you seen "Star Trek"? — it is a question if you ever seen it at all, or do you know about it;
It can be also formulated: Have you watched "Star Trek" all night?, and it will mean that you have spent all night watching a movie.
So can you watch a picture or a statue? – Araucaria - Not here any more. – 2015-03-28T19:22:38.737
To watch a picture or statue sounds strange. You look at it, you don't watch it. "Have you seen "Star Trek"? — it is a question if you [have] ever seen it at all, or do you know about it." So in this case, it's best to ask, "Have you ever watched 'Star Trek?'" – Susie Q. – 2016-06-28T14:06:58.837
'+1', Nice answer. I was looking for the difference, and find your answer :-) – user31782 – 2014-05-27T02:21:54.117
3and "I looked at the screen to see what John was watching." – SF. – 2013-01-26T13:28:44.730