What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
watch
Example
I like to watch the birds in my backyard. [watch: verb]
Example
The security guard was watching the surveillance footage closely. [watching: gerund or present participle]
Example
Let's watch a movie tonight. [watch: verb]
view
Example
We had a beautiful view of the mountains from our hotel room. [view: noun]
Example
What is your view on the current political situation? [view: noun]
Example
I can view the document on my computer screen. [view: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
View is more commonly used than watch in everyday language. View is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while watch is more specific and often used for action-oriented situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between watch and view?
Both watch and view are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
