Also: Let me think
Meaning of Idiom ‘Let Me See’
Both let me see and let me think are used to say that you are trying to think of something or remember something; either is used as a filler phrase to indicate pondering.
Let me see, additionally, can be used to indicate that you are trying to find a certain piece of information, perhaps by looking at a computer.
Let Me See If…
Since see if is used to mean ‘try to do something’ the phrase ‘let me see if’ can also mean ‘let me try to do something or ‘I’ll try to do something.’ something.’ E.g. “Let me see if I can remember” means “Give me a moment to try to remember.”
The phrase ‘let me think’ can be used in a non-idiomatic way, as well. “Let me think about that for a while. I’ll get back to you.” The difference is that when it is used as an idiom, it is simply a filler phrase and the speaker is not actually requesting protracted time to think.
Let me think about it is a commonly used phrase in English.
Examples Of Use
“What’s the name of that new show you wanted to watch?” “Let me think? What was it…”
“Can I make an appointment for tomorrow?” “Let me see – yes, I can book you in for 2 pm. How does that sound?”
“I haven’t seen him in, let me see, at least ten or eleven years.”
“Let me see if I can fix it before you bring it to a mechanic.”
