watch television

Meaning

To watch television means to look at and listen to programs, shows, or movies broadcast on a television screen. It is a very common daily leisure activity. In everyday conversation, it is frequently shortened to 'watch TV'.

Examples

• I usually watch television for an hour before going to bed.

  I usually watch television for an hour before going to bed.

• My children are not allowed to watch television while doing their homework.

  My children are not allowed to watch television while doing their homework.

• We sat on the couch to watch television together on Friday night.

  We sat on the couch to watch television together on Friday night.

• Do you prefer to read books or watch television in your free time?

  Do you prefer to read books or watch television in your free time?

• He was too tired to go out, so he decided to stay home and watch television.

  He was too tired to go out, so he decided to stay home and watch television.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I like to watch the television.

  ✓ I like to watch television.

  In English, we do not use the definite article 'the' when referring to the activity of watching programs. Saying 'watch the television' sounds like you are staring at the physical electronic device itself.

• ✗ We looked television last night.

  ✓ We watched television last night.

  We use the verb 'watch' for moving images (TV, movies, plays) and 'look at' for static, non-moving objects.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After a long day at work, I just want to relax and ___.

  💡 Look at programs on the TV screen.

  Show answer

  watch television

• How many hours a day do your kids ___?

  💡 Consume TV shows or broadcasts.

  Show answer

  watch television