[A] see: The director is seeing the applicants this morning; I am seeing my solicitor tomorrow; Tom is seeing the town/the sights. We are seeing about a work permit for you, (trying to arrange this). The plumber is here. He is seeing to the leak in our tank. ANN: Is Bill seeing you home after the party? MARY: No, he’s just seeing me to my bus. We’re leaving tomorrow. Bill is seeing us off at the airport. [B] hear: The Court is hearing evidence this afternoon. I’ve been hearing all about your accident. You’ll be hearing about the new scheme at our next meeting.
[A] see puede usarse en el tiempo continuo cuando significa «ver mediante una cita» (usualmente por negocios), «entrevistar»:
- The director is seeing the applicants this morning.
- I am seeing my solicitor tomorrow. (Ver 202.)
También cuando significa «visitar» (usualmente como turista):
- Tom is seeing the town/the sights.
Igualmente puede usarse en el tiempo continuo en las siguientes combinaciones:
see about = hacer arreglos o indagaciones:
- We are seeing about a work permit for you. (trying to arrange this)
see to = arreglar, poner bien, lidiar con:
- The plumber is here. He is seeing to the leak in our tank.
see somebody out = acompañarlo a la puerta.
see somebody home = acompañarlo a casa.
see somebody to + lugar = acompañarlo a un sitio:
- ANN: Is Bill seeing you home after the party?
MARY: No, he’s just seeing me to my bus.
see someone off = decir adios a un viajero que parte en el punto de partida de su viaje (usualmente la estación, el aeropuerto etc.):
- We’re leaving tomorrow. Bill is seeing us off at the airport.
[B] Es posible usar hear en el tiempo continuo cuando significa «escuchar formalmente» (quejas/testimonios etc.):
- The Court is hearing evidence this afternoon.
hear significando «recibir noticias o cartas» también se usa en la forma continua pero solo en el pretérito perfecto y el futuro:
- I’ve been hearing all about your accident.
- You’ll be hearing about the new scheme at our next meeting.