CultureBridge: ESL to see

E S L C O R N E R
To see

"To see" means to look or observe with your eyes, right? The verb, "to see", also has other meanings that are very commonly used in English.

"To see" can also mean to understand. Here are some examples:

A professor says to the student, "Just add the numbers up, and divide by the total to get the average. You see?"

A: To enroll at the school you must bring a copy of your medical record.
B: I'll have to call my doctor.
A: Oh, I see.

A: Joe told me to call him if I need help with my history homework.
B: Can't you see how much he likes you?
A: I don't know. Do you really think so?
B: Yes. I think he wants to ask you to the dance next week.

To see has also taken on the meaning of hold or borrow some object. For example:

A: This toy truck is broken, and I can't put the wheel back on.
B: Let me see. Here, you just have to push it in.
A: Thanks.

A: I can't find the evening train on this schedule.
B: Let me see that. Maybe it's on the back page.

A: Could I see your dictionary for a minute? I need to check the meaning of a word before the test starts.

In each case, the speaker implies that he will hold or borrow the item for only a short time. Usually you would use "to see" in this type of context with someone of equal or lower status as you.

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