My fan is convenient to carry around. See it can be closed when not in use. OR look it can be closed when not in use.
Which is correct?
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3...this question changed completely while I was answering it...– Southpaw HareJan 29, 2014 at 16:32
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2 Answers
The term see is usually used to mean a more passive action as something that can be accomplished automatically or even subconsciously:
I can see a mountain in the distance.
...while look is used for a more intentional and active effort:
I am looking for my car keys.
When used as an exclamation, these subtleties are less pronounced but still present:
See? There's a hare over there.
Suggests that the person has already passively seen the target in question and is therefore posed as a question, while:
Look! There's a hare over there.
...is requesting an active action, and therefore is formulated as a command.
answered Jan 29, 2014 at 16:30
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sorry Southpaw! I just saw your comment above! I hate when that happens! lol! Jan 29, 2014 at 17:52
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@KristinaLopez No problem. I think my answer is at least halfway reasonable still, also. Jan 29, 2014 at 17:53
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See is also more poetic than Look. An archaism like "Lo!" or "Behold!" is better modernised as "See!". Eric Crozier used this in the libretto for Britten's Saint Nicolas: "See! See! Three boys spring back to life..." which certainly doesn't have exactly the same meaning as "Look! Look! Three boys spring back to life."– Andrew Leach ♦Jan 30, 2014 at 8:27
Either can be used, but in this way:
"See? It can be closed when not in use."
OR
"Look! It can be closed when not in use."
answered Jan 29, 2014 at 16:31
