027_Look-Watch-See

027_Look-Watch-See

Mikiko is preparing to go to an English speaking university, so she is studying in the Nichibei Academic English Course. She has a question for Kevin about the proper usage of the words Look, watch and see.

Kevin:

Hello everyone and welcome to Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Podcasting, A great way to review English words and phrases. My name is Kevin Jones. I’m here today with Nichibei student Mikiko. Good afternoon

Mikiko:

Good afternoon

Kevin:

Mikiko, you’re taking the Academic English course here at Nichibei.

Mikiko:

That’s right.

Kevin:

So what exactly is the Academic English Course?

Mikiko:

Well, it’s a three week course to prepare students who are going to do undergraduate or graduate work at an English speaking university.

Kevin:

What are you going to study?

Mikiko:

I’m entering a business program.

Kevin:

That’s great.

Mikiko:

Yeah, I’m excited, but at the same time, I’m a little nervous about my English.

Kevin:

Oh, don’t be nervous. I’m sure you’ll do fine. So do you have an English question for us today?

Mikiko:

Yes I do. It’s a rather easy question but It’s something I often make mistakes about.

Kevin:

OK, what is it?

Mikiko:

Well, I often have trouble with the verbs ‘look’, ‘watch’ and ‘see’. Could you review the differences between these?

Kevin:

All of those verbs talk about different ways to use your eyes. The important difference between them is if you intend to see something or not. For example you would say “I saw a rainbow this afternoon” because you had no plan to see a rainbow, it just happened by chance.
When we have a plan intention, we use the word ‘look’.
So we would say, “I looked at the computer to check the time”.

Mikiko:

OK, then how is ‘watch’ used?

Kevin:

‘Watch’ is usually used for things observe closely over time and very often they are moving. As in the example, “I watched the parade pass my house”.

Mikiko:

OK, so you you’ve said that ‘see’ is used when there is no plan or intention….
and that ‘look’ is used when you you have a plan or intention …
and ‘watch’ is used when you look at something very carefully over time which may be moving.

Kevin:

Yes, those are some basic rules. But you will find exceptions.

Mikiko:

For example?

Kevin:

Well… ‘See’ is OK to use when you are a spectator at a game, a play a film or other entertainment.

Mikiko:

So, it’s OK to say ‘I plan to see a movie tomorrow’.

Kevin:

Yes, that’s fine.

Mikiko:

OK. You’ve been very helpful. Thanks!

Kevin:

Let’s review the words and phrases for this episode. I saw a rainbow this afternoon. looked at the computer to check the time. I watched the parade pass my house. I plan to see a movie tomorrow.

END