Phrasal Verbs with “See”

Phrasal Verbs with SEE (Meanings & Examples)

Hello, English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we’re looking at useful phrasal verbs with see — expressions that appear frequently in everyday English and are especially useful for speaking, writing, and Cambridge exams.

The verb see is extremely common, and when it combines with different particles, its meaning can change completely. Let’s explore some of the most important ones, with clear meanings and natural example sentences.

See about

Meaning: to consider, arrange, or check on something.

The manager said she would see about getting permission for the event.
I’ll see about booking a table and let you know later.
He needs to see about fixing his laptop before the presentation.

Common in polite promises and informal requests.

See after

Meaning: to take care of someone or something.

She stayed at home to see after her sick father.
Could you see after the children while I’m out?
The landlord hired someone to see after the property.

Often used with people, animals, or responsibilities.

See around

Meaning: to look around a place or explore it.

We had an afternoon to see around the old town.
The guide gave us time to see around the castle.
Would you like to see around the office before the meeting?

Very common in travel and tourism contexts.

See into

Meaning: to investigate or examine a problem.

The company promised to see into the complaint.
Police are seeing into the cause of the accident.
I’ll see into the issue and get back to you.

Often used in formal or semi-formal situations.

See off

Meaning: to go with someone who is leaving and say goodbye.

We went to the station to see her off.
His family came to see him off at the airport.
A crowd gathered to see off the team.

Common with travel and emotional goodbyes.

See out

Meaning: to accompany someone to the door when they leave.

The host saw us out after the party.
She politely saw out her guests.
I’ll see you out — this way, please.

Often used in polite or formal situations.

See over

Meaning: to inspect or examine something, especially a place.

We asked to see over the flat before deciding.
She wanted to see over the documents carefully.
The manager will see over the new facilities tomorrow.

Common with houses, buildings, plans, or documents.

See through

Meaning: to understand the true nature of something; not be deceived.

I could see through his excuses immediately.
She saw through the advertisement’s false promises.
Teachers often see through students who are lying.

Very useful in opinion writing and speaking.

See to

Meaning: to deal with or take responsibility for something.

I’ll see to the arrangements.
Someone needs to see to this problem urgently.
He stayed late to see to the final details.

Common in professional and everyday contexts.

Common Learner Mistakes

❌ see about to do → ✔ see about doing
❌ see to do something → ✔ see to something
❌ confusing see out and see off

Final Tip

Phrasal verbs with see are extremely natural in spoken English and show real confidence at B2–C1 level. Try learning them in short phrases, not single words, and practise using them in your own sentences.

Published by My Lingua Academy on 26 Jan 202526 Jan 2025