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see to

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To take care of or attend to a need, task, or person.

In plain English

To do what needs to be done to take care of something or someone.

What does "see to" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To deal with or take care of a task, arrangement, or practical matter.

"Can you see to the catering for Tuesday's meeting? I've got too much on."

inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To attend to a person's needs, often in a professional or caring role.

"A nurse came in immediately to see to the patient who had rung the bell."

inseparable
Usage tip

Very common in everyday British English. Can refer to practical tasks ('see to the repairs') or caring for people or animals ('see to the children'). Often used to reassure someone that something will be handled.

Words that pair with "see to"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

repairs arrangements needs guests details luggage

How to conjugate "see to"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
see to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sees to
he/she/it
Past simple
saw to
yesterday
Past participle
seen to
have + pp
-ing form
seeing to
continuous

Hear "see to" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "see to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.