Phrasal verb
see through
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
see through
Past
saw through
Past participle
seen through
Definition
phrasal verb. to realize that someone is lying or trying to trick you. You use this when you understand the truth behind a person's fake behavior.
phrasal verb. to perceive the true nature of someone or something, especially when they are attempting to deceive. In this sense, the verb is transitive and inseparable.
Examples
“I saw through his excuses right away.”
“Even though the politician promised lower taxes, most voters saw through the plan and realized it would actually cost them more money.”
“The seasoned investigator was able to see through the suspect's elaborate alibi, noting several small inconsistencies that eventually led to a full confession.”
Examples
simple
“I saw through his excuses right away.”
contextual
“Even though the politician promised lower taxes, most voters saw through the plan and realized it would actually cost them more money.”
complex
“The seasoned investigator was able to see through the suspect's elaborate alibi, noting several small inconsistencies that eventually led to a full confession.”
Usage
usually followed by a person or their deceptive behavior like lies or tricks.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'see something through' which means to finish a task; the deception sense is inseparable while the completion sense is separable.
Pitfall
I saw his lies through.
I saw through his lies.
the phrase is inseparable when it means to detect a lie, so the object must come at the end.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
see + through + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
PHRASAL VERB
PREPOSITION
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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