What are the definitions of “see through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Continue with something to the end.
They had a lot of difficulties in implementing the project, but the team SAW it THROUGH successfully.
- 2Realise someone is lying or being deceitful.
The police quickly SAW THROUGH her disguise and arrested her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “see through”?
The phrasal verb see through has two common meanings. The first meaning is to continue with something until the end, even if it is difficult. The second meaning is to realize that someone is lying or being deceitful. It is often used when someone can understand the true intentions or motives of another person.
What are the different verb forms of “see through”?
| Root Verb | see through |
| Third Person Singular Present | sees through |
| Present Participle | seeing through |
| Simple Past | saw through |
| Past Participle | seen through |
Example
I will see through this project, no matter how hard it gets.
Example
She sees through his lies and knows the truth.
Example
He is seeing through the challenges and finishing the task.
Example
They saw through the difficulties and completed the project.
Example
Her deception was seen through by her friends.
What kind of phrasal verb is “see through”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“see through” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I saw through his lies and confronted him.
Example
She saw the project through despite the challenges.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“see through” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I saw through his lies and confronted him.
Example
She saw the project through despite the challenges.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “see through”?
See-through material
A material that is transparent or semi-transparent, allowing light or images to pass through.
Example
The curtains were made of a see-through fabric, letting in plenty of sunlight.
Good things to know
Does “see through” have an informal or formal tone?
See through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
