What does the phrasal verb “see to” mean?

What are the definitions of “see to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Deal with something.

  He SAW TO the arrangements and everything ran smoothly and efficiently.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “see to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb see to is to deal with something or take care of a task or situation. It means making sure that everything is done correctly and efficiently.

What are the different verb forms of “see to”?

Root Verb	see to
Third Person Singular Present	sees to
Present Participle	seeing to
Simple Past	saw to
Past Participle	seen to

Example

I will see to the preparations for the party.

Example

She always sees to the needs of her guests.

Example

He is seeing to the arrangements for the conference.

Example

Yesterday, they saw to the cleaning of the house.

Example

The broken window has been seen to and replaced with a new one.

What kind of phrasal verb is “see to”?

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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 to” 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

She saw to the needs of her guests.

Example

He saw to the arrangements for the conference.

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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 to” 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

She saw to the needs of her guests.

Example

He saw to the arrangements for the conference.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “see to”?

See to it that

Ensure that something is done or happens.

Example

Please see to it that the doors are locked before you leave.

See someone to the door

Accompany someone to the exit of a building or room.

Example

After the meeting, she saw the guests to the door.

See to one's own affairs

Take care of one's own responsibilities or problems.

Example

He needs to see to his own affairs before giving advice to others.

Good things to know

Does “see to” have an informal or formal tone?

See to 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 professional correspondence.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “see to”?

Synonyms

• manage
• address
• attend to
• deal with
• handle
• take care of
• tend to
• look after

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• disregard
• abandon
• leave alone