Can you verify my ideas?
If I am on Skype, which of these expressions I am allowed to say
Can you see me? (I think it is right)
Can you look at me? (I think It could be right because we have been trying to look at each other for a long time and "look at" expresses better this determination to see)
Can you watch me? (my doubt is about the fact that we are using the computer screen)
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Answers · 4
2
"Can you see me?" - Correct. This is the most common way of asking whether the video feed of the call is working. Responses might be "Yes, I can see you. The video is working" or "No I can't see anything."
"Can you look at me?" This doesn't quite work. It suggests that the other person is for some reason not looking at the screen, and that you want them to turn to look at you. It doesn't suggest that the video isn't working.
"Can you watch me?" This is incorrect. The verb 'to watch' implies a passive action which doesn't fit with a conversation where both parties are active. This would only make sense if you were asking the other person to watch as you do/demonstrate something to them.
1
'Can you see me?' is the only correct option in this context. If you are checking whether there is a technical problem and you want to ask 'Mi vedi?', the only option is 'Can you see me?'.
The verb 'see', like 'hear', is a verb of perception. The ability to see and hear are two of our five senses. If you can see someone, it means that there is no physical obstruction. It means that your eyes are working OK, the camera is working OK. Likewise, if you want to check whether there is a technical problem with the microphone or speakers, you'd say 'Can you hear me?'
The questions 'Can you look at me?' and 'Can you watch me?' are used in a completely different context. These would be the equivalent of 'Guardami!'. The verbs 'look' and 'watch' ( like 'listen) are conscious and deliberate actions, as opposed to 'see' and 'hear' which are senses.
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