Meaning of "see in"

[Stone]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #86 "Common English Errors (2)", question 10

It's difficult to understand what she ......... in her job — it seems very boring.

(a) distinguishes in
(b) looks in
(c) observes in
(d) sees in

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #86 "Common English Errors (2)", answer 10

It's difficult to understand what she sees in in her job — it seems very boring.

Correct answer: (d) sees in

Your answer was: incorrect
It's difficult to understand what she observes in in her job — it seems very boring.
_________________________

Would you please explain the meaning of "see in" ?

Thanks a lot in advanced

Stone

[Linda]

Hello,
'Sees in' refers to what someone likes about something and/or what they are drawn to - maybe this thing they like is interesting or attractive to them. In this case, the speaker is saying she doesn't understand what another woman 'sees in' her job because it's very boring.

So, the speaker is confused about what another person finds interesting or pleasing - what she 'sees in' her job. The speaker does not find that same job interesting or pleasing.

'Observes in' is not the right answer because observes is usually used in more serious contexts as well as 'observes' is simply stating what a person literally sees - kind of like stating the obvious. "Observes' does not refer to an opinion at all.

I hope that helps.
Linda

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