Watch vs. View

In this lesson, we're gonna talk about all the differences and similarities between these two words. If you wanna learn, join me.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both indicate seeing something or someone with your eyes. However, 'watching' something takes longer. When we 'watch' something, we pay attention to it, but 'viewing' takes less time.

Differences

'Watching' indicates seeing something with your eyes for a long period of time. When you 'watch' something, you actually pay attention to it. Look at the examples below:

They all sat in silence and watched the sun set.

I just sat there and watched her tie up those beautiful brown curls.

''Viewing', on the other hand, indicates taking a simple glance at something or someone. You do not pay that much attention to something when you 'view' it. Check out the following examples:

As she stood on the terrace, she viewed the beautiful lake.

Basically, every individual views the world based on their own experiences.

Similarities

They both indicate using your eyes to look at something or someone. Check out the examples below:

They viewed the people at the sea from their terrace.

I watched closely as she took off her coat and took something out of its pocket.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they are both used in similar contexts, they cannot be used interchangeably because' watching' something requires more attention than 'viewing' it. Both examples below are correct but they are a bit different in meaning. Compare:

✓ All the students watched their abusive teachers burn to ashes.

✓ All the students viewed their abusive teachers burn to ashes.

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