watch TV

Meaning

To look at and listen to programs on a television screen. This is a very common daily activity used in informal and neutral contexts. We do not use an article (like 'the' or 'a') before 'TV' in this phrase.

Examples

• We usually watch TV for an hour after dinner.

  We usually watch TV for an hour after dinner.

• I don't have time to watch TV during the week.

  I don't have time to watch TV during the week.

• What do you want to watch on TV tonight?

  What do you want to watch on TV tonight?

• My kids love to watch TV on Saturday mornings.

  My kids love to watch TV on Saturday mornings.

• Instead of watching TV, she decided to read a book.

  Instead of watching TV, she decided to read a book.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I like to watch the TV in the evening.

  ✓ I like to watch TV in the evening.

  We do not use the article 'the' before 'TV' when referring to the activity of viewing programs.

• ✗ He is looking TV right now.

  ✓ He is watching TV right now.

  We use the verb 'watch' for dynamic screens and performances, not 'look' or 'see'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After a long day at work, I just want to sit on the couch and ___.

  💡 To view programs on television.

  Show answer

  watch TV

• How often do your children ___ during the week?

  💡 Spend time looking at television programs.

  Show answer

  watch TV