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B1 verb #11 most common 12 min read

checked

Top 11

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips checked in 30 Seconds

Explanation checked in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'checked' is a simple word used to talk about looking at something to find information. For example, 'I checked the time' or 'I checked my bag.' It is the past tense of 'check.' You use it when you want to say you did a quick look at something in the past. It is very common in daily life, like checking your phone or checking the weather. Beginners should focus on this 'looking' meaning. It is a regular verb, so you just add '-ed' to 'check.' Remember that the 'ed' sounds like a 't.' You might also hear it at an airport when someone asks about your bags. 'Did you check your bags?' In this level, we don't worry about the difficult meanings like 'stopping' or 'chess.' Just think of it as 'looked at to be sure.' It's a very useful word for basic communication. You can use it to tell people what you did earlier. 'I checked the map and we are here.' It helps you show that you are being careful and responsible. Even at this early stage, knowing 'checked' helps you understand many common questions and instructions in English-speaking environments.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'checked' in more specific situations, like travel and shopping. You will learn the phrasal verbs 'checked in' and 'checked out.' For example, 'We checked into the hotel at 3 PM.' This is very important for travelers. You also use 'checked' to talk about lists. 'I checked off everything on my shopping list.' This shows you have finished a task. At this level, you should understand that 'checked' means you verified something was correct. 'The teacher checked my homework.' It means the teacher looked at the work to see if it was right. You might also see it in simple stories. 'He checked the door to make sure it was locked.' This is a very common action in books and movies. You can also use it for simple health things, like 'The doctor checked my temperature.' The focus at A2 is on these practical, everyday uses. You are moving beyond just 'looking' to 'verifying' or 'registering.' It's a versatile verb that appears in many common phrases. Practice using it with 'in,' 'out,' and 'off' to sound more natural.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'checked' with more confidence in professional and social contexts. You understand that 'checked' means to examine something to ensure it is safe, correct, or satisfactory. For example, 'I checked the report for errors before sending it.' This shows a higher level of responsibility. You also begin to encounter the meaning of 'checked' as 'restrained' or 'limited,' though this is less common than the 'verify' meaning. For instance, 'The growth of the company was checked by the recession.' Here, it means the growth was slowed down. You are also familiar with 'checked' in sports like chess or hockey. B1 learners should be able to use 'checked' in the passive voice, such as 'The results were checked by the supervisor.' This is common in workplace communication. You should also know the difference between 'checking something' and 'checking up on someone.' 'Checking up on someone' means seeing how they are doing or if they are doing their work. This level requires you to understand the nuance of the word in different settings, from the office to the gym to the airport.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the various nuances of 'checked.' You can use it effectively in formal writing and complex conversations. You understand that 'checked' can mean to verify, to restrain, or to mark. You are comfortable using it in idiomatic expressions like 'checked his ego at the door' or 'checked his temper.' These show a sophisticated understanding of how the word can be used metaphorically. In academic contexts, you use 'checked' to describe the validation of hypotheses or data. 'The findings were checked against previous studies.' You also understand the use of 'checked' in historical or political analysis to describe how one force was limited by another. For example, 'The power of the monarch was checked by the parliament.' This sense of 'checks and balances' is a key concept in political science. B2 learners should also be aware of the stylistic choice of using synonyms like 'scrutinized' or 'authenticated' to avoid repetition. You can distinguish between the literal and figurative uses of the word and apply them correctly in both speaking and writing.

At the C1 level, your use of 'checked' is precise and nuanced. You understand its subtle implications in various registers. You might use it to describe a complex process of verification in a scientific paper or a strategic restraint in a business negotiation. You are familiar with the concept of 'checks and balances' and can discuss it in detail. You also recognize the use of 'checked' in literature to describe a character's internal struggle to restrain their emotions. For example, 'His initial impulse to argue was checked by a sudden realization of the futility of the situation.' This level of usage shows a deep understanding of the word's history and its diverse applications. You are also aware of the less common meanings, such as 'checked' as an adjective describing a pattern, and you can use the verb form in highly specific technical ways. Your vocabulary is broad enough that you only use 'checked' when it is the most appropriate word, often opting for more specific terms like 'vetted,' 'audited,' or 'curbed' when the context demands it. You can handle the word in any context, from a fast-paced sports commentary to a dense legal document.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native mastery of 'checked.' You can use it with total flexibility and precision, often employing it in creative or highly formal ways. You understand the etymological roots of the word, tracing it back to the game of chess (from the Persian word 'shah' meaning king), and how this 'threat' or 'stop' evolved into the modern meanings of verification and restraint. You can use 'checked' in complex metaphorical constructions, such as 'The unchecked expansion of the city led to environmental degradation,' where 'unchecked' means 'uncontrolled.' You are comfortable with the word in all its forms—verb, adjective, and part of phrasal constructions. You can appreciate the word's role in legal and constitutional frameworks, where 'checked' is a fundamental verb for describing the limitation of power. In your own writing, you use 'checked' to create specific rhythms and tones, knowing exactly when its simplicity is more effective than a more complex synonym. You can also identify and use rare or archaic senses of the word if necessary. Your understanding is not just about the definition, but about the word's place in the broader tapestry of the English language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

checked in 30 Seconds

Checked means you looked at something to verify it is correct, safe, or exactly as it should be in that moment.
It also describes the act of stopping or slowing down a process, movement, or emotion that was previously advancing.
In travel, it specifically refers to the process of handing over luggage to an airline or arriving at a hotel.
The word is commonly used in sports like chess and hockey to indicate a threat or a physical block.

The verb checked is a multifaceted term primarily used to describe the act of verification, examination, or restraint. In its most common everyday usage, it refers to the process of looking at something closely to ensure it is correct, safe, or in the condition one expects. For example, a pilot has checked the fuel levels before takeoff, or a student has checked their essay for spelling errors. This sense of verification is foundational to both casual and professional communication, implying a level of responsibility and attention to detail.

Verification Context: This involves confirming facts or status. 'She checked the clock to see if she was late.'

Beyond simple verification, checked carries a significant meaning in the context of restraint or limitation. To have checked something can mean to have slowed it down or stopped its progress. This is often seen in historical or political contexts, such as 'The army's advance was checked by the heavy rains.' In this sense, it describes an obstacle that prevents a process from continuing at its previous pace. This dual nature—one administrative and one restrictive—makes it a powerful verb in the English language.

The inspector checked the safety valves three times before the machine was started.

In the world of sports and games, checked takes on specific technical meanings. In chess, it is the past tense of placing the opponent's king under threat. In ice hockey, a 'body check' or being checked involves using physical force to separate an opponent from the puck. These usages emphasize the 'stopping' or 'blocking' aspect of the word. Furthermore, in travel, checked luggage refers to bags that are handed over to the airline rather than carried onto the plane. This logistical usage is perhaps one of the most frequent ways travelers encounter the word.

Logistical Context: Refers to the formal processing of items or people. 'We checked our bags at the counter.'

He checked his ego at the door before entering the meeting.

Metaphorically, checked is used to describe emotional regulation. If someone has 'checked' their anger, they have suppressed it or brought it under control. This usage aligns with the idea of restraint. It suggests a conscious effort to monitor and limit one's own reactions. In academic and professional writing, the word is often used to describe the validation of data or the peer-review process, where findings are checked against existing literature to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Emotional Control: The act of restraining one's feelings or impulses. 'She checked her impulse to shout.'

The spread of the virus was checked by the new vaccination program.

I checked the weather forecast before planning the hike.

The auditor checked every single transaction for discrepancies.

Using checked correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires a direct object. You check something. For instance, 'I checked the oven' or 'They checked the results.' It is the past tense form, so it is used to describe actions that occurred at a specific time in the past. When used as a past participle, it often follows auxiliary verbs like 'have' or 'had' (e.g., 'I have checked the mail') or is used in passive constructions (e.g., 'The mail was checked').

Active Voice: Subject + checked + object. 'The teacher checked the attendance.'

A common grammatical pattern involves the use of 'checked' with phrasal verbs. 'Checked in' and 'checked out' are perhaps the most frequent. 'Checked in' is used when arriving at a hotel, airport, or hospital, while 'checked out' is used when leaving or when examining something with interest (e.g., 'He checked out the new car'). Another variation is 'checked up on,' which means to investigate or monitor someone's progress or well-being. These phrasal forms are essential for natural-sounding English.

We checked into the hotel at midnight.

In more formal or literary contexts, 'checked' is used to describe the limitation of a force. Here, the structure often looks like 'Something was checked by something else.' For example, 'The spread of the fire was checked by the firewall.' This usage is less about looking and more about stopping. It is important to distinguish between these two meanings based on the surrounding context. If the sentence is about a physical barrier or a counter-force, it likely means 'stopped' or 'restrained.'

Passive Voice: Object + was/were + checked. 'The documents were checked by the legal team.'

The doctor checked up on the patient after the surgery.

Furthermore, 'checked' can be used as an adjective to describe a pattern, but in its verbal form, it is always an action. When writing, ensure that the subject of the sentence is the one performing the verification or the one being restrained. For instance, 'The pilot checked the instruments' (active) vs. 'The instruments were checked by the pilot' (passive). Both are correct, but the active voice is generally more direct and preferred in many writing styles.

Phrasal Usage: 'Checked out' can mean both leaving a hotel and looking at something. 'She checked out the book from the library.'

The manager checked off the items on the list as they were completed.

His enthusiasm was checked by the harsh reality of the situation.

I checked the spelling of his name before printing the invitation.

In everyday life, you will hear checked most frequently in environments involving logistics, safety, and administration. At an airport, the announcement 'Have you checked your bags?' is ubiquitous. This refers to the process of registering luggage for transport in the plane's cargo hold. Similarly, at a hotel reception, you will hear 'Have you checked in yet?' or 'We have checked you out of your room.' These are standard procedural phrases that every traveler should be familiar with.

Travel & Hospitality: Commonly heard at airports, hotels, and train stations. 'Your luggage has been checked through to London.'

In professional settings, particularly in offices and technical fields, 'checked' is a keyword for quality control. A manager might ask, 'Has this report been checked for accuracy?' or a developer might say, 'I checked the code for bugs.' In these contexts, it signifies a standard of work and a commitment to error-free output. It is also common in medical settings, where doctors and nurses 'check' vital signs or 'check up' on patients to monitor their recovery progress.

The nurse checked my blood pressure every hour.

Sports commentary is another area where 'checked' is heard frequently, though with a different meaning. In ice hockey, commentators will shout, 'He's been checked into the boards!' referring to a physical collision. In chess broadcasts, you'll hear 'The king has been checked,' indicating a move that threatens the king. These specialized uses are part of the jargon of the respective sports but are well-understood by fans. Even in casual conversation, someone might say, 'I checked out that new restaurant,' meaning they visited it to see what it was like.

Professional/Technical: Used in quality assurance and peer review. 'The calculations were checked by a second engineer.'

I checked the website, but the information wasn't there.

Finally, you will encounter 'checked' in the context of personal organization. People often talk about having 'checked off' items on their to-do lists. This gives a sense of accomplishment and progress. In social media and modern slang, 'checking someone' can mean calling them out on their behavior or putting them in their place, though this is more informal. Overall, 'checked' is a word that bridges the gap between formal procedures and daily life activities.

Sports & Games: Refers to physical restraint in hockey or a threat in chess. 'The defenseman checked the forward near the goal.'

She checked her reflection in the mirror before leaving.

The security guard checked everyone's ID at the entrance.

I checked the oil level in the car this morning.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with checked is confusing it with the word 'controlled.' In many languages, the word for 'control' also means 'to check' or 'to verify.' However, in English, 'controlled' means to have power over something or to direct its behavior, while 'checked' means to verify its status. For example, you 'check' your bank balance to see how much money you have, but you 'control' your spending to make sure you don't run out. Using 'controlled' when you mean 'checked' can lead to significant confusion in professional settings.

Check vs. Control: 'I checked the temperature' (I looked at it) vs. 'I controlled the temperature' (I changed it using a thermostat).

Another common error involves the misuse of phrasal verbs. Learners often confuse 'checked in' and 'checked out.' Remember that 'in' is for arrival and 'out' is for departure. Additionally, 'checked out' has a slang meaning of 'looking at something' or 'investigating,' which can be confusing. For instance, 'I checked out the book' (library context) vs. 'I checked out the guy' (looking at someone). Context is key here. Another mistake is using 'checked' without an object when one is required. You cannot simply say 'I checked,' unless the object is clearly understood from the previous sentence.

Incorrect: I checked my friend at the hospital. (Unless you are a doctor verifying their health, you probably mean 'visited' or 'checked on').

Spelling and tense errors are also prevalent. Since 'checked' is a regular verb, it ends in '-ed,' but the pronunciation of the 'ed' is a /t/ sound, which can lead some learners to mistakenly spell it as 'checkt.' Always stick to the standard '-ed' spelling. Furthermore, ensure you are using the correct tense. 'I check my email every day' (present habit) vs. 'I checked my email an hour ago' (past action). Confusing these can make your timeline of events unclear to the listener or reader.

Preposition Errors: Using the wrong preposition with 'checked' can change the meaning. 'Checked for' (searching for errors) vs. 'Checked with' (consulting someone).

He checked with his boss before making the decision.

Lastly, avoid using 'checked' when you mean 'ticked' in British English. While Americans say 'check the box,' British speakers often say 'tick the box.' However, 'checked' is universally understood for the action of verification. In academic writing, avoid being too repetitive with 'checked.' Instead of saying 'The researcher checked the data, then checked the results, then checked the conclusion,' use synonyms like 'verified,' 'validated,' or 'cross-referenced' to make your writing more sophisticated and engaging.

Repetition: Overusing 'checked' in a single paragraph can make the writing feel repetitive and simple.

The software checked the system for updates automatically.

I checked my pockets but couldn't find my keys.

The progress of the project was checked by a lack of funding.

While checked is a versatile and common word, using synonyms can help you be more precise and improve the flow of your writing. Depending on the context, words like 'verified,' 'inspected,' 'examined,' and 'scrutinized' can be excellent alternatives. 'Verified' is particularly useful in technical or formal contexts where you are confirming the truth or accuracy of something. 'Inspected' suggests a more formal or official examination, often for safety or quality standards, such as a building inspector who has inspected a property.

Checked vs. Verified: 'Checked' is general; 'Verified' implies confirming the truth. 'I checked the time' vs. 'I verified the witness's statement.'

If you are talking about the 'restraint' meaning of checked, alternatives include 'halted,' 'curbed,' 'restrained,' or 'impeded.' 'Halted' is a strong word that means to stop completely, while 'curbed' suggests bringing something under control, like 'curbing' one's appetite. 'Restrained' is often used for physical or emotional control. Choosing the right synonym depends on the intensity of the action you are describing. For example, 'The police checked the crowd' sounds less forceful than 'The police restrained the crowd.'

The auditor scrutinized (checked very carefully) the financial records.

In the context of 'checking out' something, you might use 'explored,' 'investigated,' or 'reviewed.' 'Reviewed' is common in academic and professional settings, such as 'reviewing' a document or a performance. 'Investigated' implies a deeper, more systematic search for information. In casual conversation, instead of saying 'I checked out that movie,' you could say 'I watched that movie' or 'I saw that movie,' although 'checked out' implies a level of evaluation or curiosity that 'watched' does not.

Checked vs. Inspected: 'Inspected' is more formal and thorough. 'I checked the car' (looked at it) vs. 'The mechanic inspected the car' (looked for problems).

The government curbed (checked/limited) inflation through new policies.

Finally, for the 'marking' sense of checked, you can use 'ticked,' 'marked,' or 'flagged.' 'Flagged' is often used in digital contexts to indicate that something needs attention. For example, 'The system flagged the suspicious email.' 'Ticked' is more common in British English for marking a box. By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can provide more nuance and variety in your English communication, making you sound more like a native speaker.

Checked vs. Scrutinized: 'Scrutinized' implies a very intense and detailed check. 'He scrutinized the contract for hidden clauses.'

The scientist validated (checked the validity of) the experimental results.

I monitored (checked continuously) the patient's heart rate.

The flow of traffic was impeded (checked/slowed) by the construction work.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'check' and 'chess' share the same origin. The sense of 'verification' comes from the idea of 'checking' a move in the game.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃekt/

US /tʃɛkt/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

decked wrecked pecked specked necked flecked sect direct

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ed' as a separate syllable (check-ed).
Using a 'd' sound instead of a 't' sound at the end.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'cheeked'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of phrasal verbs and tenses.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the final 't' sound can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but meanings vary by context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

look see correct stop list

Learn Next

verify inspect scrutinize restrain validate

Advanced

audited vetted curbed impeded authenticated

Grammar to Know

Past Tense of Regular Verbs

Check -> Checked

Passive Voice Construction

The bags were checked.

Phrasal Verbs

Check in, Check out, Check up on.

Transitive Verbs

I checked the list. (Needs an object)

Participle Adjectives

A checked shirt. (Though often meaning the pattern)

Examples by Level

I checked the time on my phone.

J'ai vérifié l'heure sur mon téléphone.

Past tense of 'check'.

She checked her bag for her keys.

Elle a vérifié son sac pour ses clés.

Regular verb + object.

He checked the weather before going out.

Il a vérifié la météo avant de sortir.

Past tense for a completed action.

We checked the map to find the park.

Nous avons vérifié la carte pour trouver le parc.

Subject + checked + object.

The teacher checked our names.

Le professeur a vérifié nos noms.

Used for verification.

I checked the door was locked.

J'ai vérifié que la porte était verrouillée.

Followed by a clause.

They checked the price of the milk.

Ils ont vérifié le prix du lait.

Simple past tense.

Did you check your email?

As-tu vérifié tes e-mails ?

Interrogative form with 'did'.

We checked into the hotel at 4 PM.

Nous sommes arrivés à l'hôtel à 16h.

Phrasal verb 'checked in'.

I checked off all the items on my list.

J'ai coché tous les articles de ma liste.

Phrasal verb 'checked off'.

He checked out of the room this morning.

Il a quitté la chambre ce matin.

Phrasal verb 'checked out'.

The doctor checked my heart rate.

Le médecin a vérifié mon rythme cardiaque.

Medical context.

She checked her reflection in the window.

Elle a regardé son reflet dans la fenêtre.

Reflexive object.

They checked the schedule for the next train.

Ils ont vérifié l'horaire du prochain train.

Logistical context.

I checked up on my cat while I was away.

J'ai pris des nouvelles de mon chat pendant mon absence.

Phrasal verb 'checked up on'.

The police checked the driver's license.

La police a vérifié le permis de conduire du conducteur.

Official verification.

I checked the report for any spelling mistakes.

J'ai vérifié le rapport pour d'éventuelles fautes d'orthographe.

Checking for something specific.

The pilot checked the instruments before takeoff.

Le pilote a vérifié les instruments avant le décollage.

Professional safety check.

His progress was checked by a lack of resources.

Ses progrès ont été freinés par un manque de ressources.

Meaning 'stopped' or 'slowed'.

She checked her anger and spoke calmly.

Elle a contenu sa colère et a parlé calmement.

Meaning 'restrained'.

We checked with the manager before making a change.

Nous avons consulté le manager avant de faire un changement.

Phrasal verb 'checked with'.

The bags were checked at the airport counter.

Les sacs ont été enregistrés au comptoir de l'aéroport.

Passive voice.

He checked out the new gym in town.

Il est allé voir la nouvelle salle de sport en ville.

Meaning 'investigated' or 'visited'.

The king was checked by the opponent's queen.

Le roi a été mis en échec par la reine de l'adversaire.

Chess terminology.

The spread of the disease was checked by the quarantine.

La propagation de la maladie a été stoppée par la quarantaine.

Formal use of 'checked' as 'stopped'.

She checked her initial impulse to quit her job.

Elle a réprimé son impulsion initiale de démissionner.

Metaphorical restraint.

The auditor checked the company's books for fraud.

L'auditeur a vérifié les comptes de l'entreprise pour fraude.

Professional auditing context.

He checked his watch impatiently every few minutes.

Il regardait sa montre avec impatience toutes les quelques minutes.

Describes a repeated action.

The power of the executive is checked by the judiciary.

Le pouvoir de l'exécutif est limité par le judiciaire.

Political 'checks and balances'.

I checked out the source of the strange noise.

Je suis allé voir d'où venait ce bruit étrange.

Meaning 'investigated'.

The data was checked against the original records.

Les données ont été vérifiées par rapport aux dossiers originaux.

Passive voice + 'against'.

She checked her luggage through to her final destination.

Elle a fait enregistrer ses bagages jusqu'à sa destination finale.

Travel terminology.

The advance of the glacier was checked by the rising temperatures.

L'avancée du glacier a été freinée par la hausse des températures.

Scientific/environmental context.

He checked his stride as he approached the finish line.

Il a ralenti sa foulée en approchant de la ligne d'arrivée.

Physical restraint of movement.

The proliferation of nuclear weapons must be checked.

La prolifération des armes nucléaires doit être freinée.

Formal political usage.

She checked her tears and continued her speech.

Elle a refoulé ses larmes et a continué son discours.

Emotional regulation.

The claims were checked for consistency and accuracy.

Les affirmations ont été vérifiées pour leur cohérence et leur exactitude.

Academic/legal verification.

The defender checked the attacker's progress with a skillful move.

Le défenseur a stoppé la progression de l'attaquant par un geste habile.

Sports context (restraint).

His arrogance was finally checked by a humiliating defeat.

Son arrogance a finalement été tempérée par une défaite humiliante.

Metaphorical 'checking' of a trait.

The researcher checked the validity of the hypothesis.

Le chercheur a vérifié la validité de l'hypothèse.

Scientific method.

The unchecked growth of the state was checked by constitutional reforms.

La croissance incontrôlée de l'État a été freinée par des réformes constitutionnelles.

Using both 'unchecked' and 'checked'.

She checked her mounting frustration with a practiced stoicism.

Elle a contenu sa frustration croissante avec un stoïcisme exercé.

Advanced psychological description.

The flow of capital into the region was checked by political instability.

Le flux de capitaux vers la région a été freiné par l'instabilité politique.

Economic context.

He checked the horse's gallop with a firm tug on the reins.

Il a stoppé le galop du cheval d'une traction ferme sur les rênes.

Literal physical restraint.

The veracity of the ancient manuscript was checked by multiple experts.

La véracité du manuscrit ancien a été vérifiée par de nombreux experts.

Historical/academic verification.

The ambition of the young prince was checked by the wisdom of his advisors.

L'ambition du jeune prince a été tempérée par la sagesse de ses conseillers.

Literary usage.

The fire's expansion was checked by the arrival of the rain.

L'expansion du feu a été stoppée par l'arrivée de la pluie.

Natural force being 'checked'.

The system checked the integrity of the data packets.

Le système a vérifié l'intégrité des paquets de données.

Technical/computational context.

Common Collocations

double-checked

checked baggage

checked in

checked out

thoroughly checked

checked for errors

checked the time

checked the weather

checked his ego

checked the boxes

Common Phrases

checked and balanced

— A system where different parts limit each other's power.

The government is checked and balanced.

checked off

— Marked as completed on a list.

I checked off the last task.

checked up on

— Investigated someone's status or progress.

My mom checked up on me.

checked out

— Mentally disengaged or left a place.

He completely checked out of the meeting.

checked for sure

— Verified with certainty.

I checked for sure before I left.

checked the facts

— Verified the truth of information.

The journalist checked the facts.

checked the mail

— Looked for letters in the mailbox.

Have you checked the mail today?

checked the mirror

— Looked at one's reflection.

She checked the mirror one last time.

checked the pulse

— Measured the heart rate.

The medic checked the pulse.

checked the oil

— Verified the level of lubricant in an engine.

I checked the oil before the trip.

Often Confused With

checked vs controlled

Control means to direct; check means to verify.

checked vs ticked

In UK English, you tick a box; in US English, you check it.

checked vs inspected

Inspection is more formal and thorough than checking.

Idioms & Expressions

"check your ego at the door"

— To set aside one's pride or arrogance before entering a situation.

In this team, you need to check your ego at the door.

informal

"keep in check"

— To keep something under control or within limits.

You need to keep your emotions in check.

neutral

"check and double-check"

— To verify something multiple times to be absolutely sure.

Check and double-check the calculations.

neutral

"check out"

— To die (slang/euphemism).

He checked out peacefully in his sleep.

informal

"rain check"

— A promise to do something at a later date because it cannot be done now.

I can't go tonight, can I take a rain check?

informal

"check the boxes"

— To fulfill all the requirements or expectations.

The candidate checked all the boxes.

neutral

"check someone's privilege"

— To ask someone to consider their own advantages in a social context.

You should check your privilege before commenting.

informal

"check the coast is clear"

— To make sure no one is watching before doing something.

He checked the coast was clear before sneaking out.

informal

"check it out"

— Look at this interesting thing.

Check it out! There's a rainbow.

informal

"check yourself"

— To stop and think about your behavior before you make a mistake.

You better check yourself before you get in trouble.

slang

Easily Confused

checked vs Cheque

Homophone (in UK English).

A cheque is a piece of paper for payment; checked is the verb.

I checked the cheque before I signed it.

checked vs Checkered

Similar spelling/sound.

Checkered refers to a pattern or a varied past; checked is the verb.

He has a checkered past, but he checked his facts.

checked vs Choked

Similar sound.

Choked means unable to breathe; checked means verified or stopped.

He choked on his food after he checked the price.

checked vs Chuckled

Similar sound.

Chuckled means laughed quietly; checked means verified.

He chuckled after he checked the funny photo.

checked vs Tracked

Similar meaning in some contexts.

Tracked means followed; checked means verified at a point in time.

I tracked the package and checked its status.

Sentence Patterns

I checked the [noun].

I checked the time.

We checked into the [place].

We checked into the hotel.

I checked the [noun] for [errors].

I checked the paper for mistakes.

The [noun] was checked by [person].

The car was checked by the mechanic.

[Noun] was checked by [force].

The fire was checked by the rain.

He checked his [emotion].

He checked his anger.

The [abstract noun] must be checked.

The spread of rumors must be checked.

With [adverb], she checked the [noun].

With stoicism, she checked her fear.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I check the time yesterday. → I checked the time yesterday.
You must use the past tense '-ed' for past actions.
I controlled the homework. → I checked the homework.
Use 'checked' for verification, not 'controlled'.
The bags were check. → The bags were checked.
The passive voice requires the past participle 'checked'.
He checked in the car. → He checked the car.
'Checked in' is for hotels/airports; 'checked' is for examination.
I checked out from the hotel. → I checked out of the hotel.
The correct preposition is 'out of'.

Tips

Double Check

Always use 'double-checked' when you want to emphasize that you were extra careful.

Passive Voice

Use the passive voice 'was checked' when the person doing the checking isn't important.

Synonyms

Use 'verified' in academic papers instead of 'checked' for a more professional tone.

The 'T' Sound

Practice the final 't' sound to avoid saying 'check-ed' as two syllables.

Airport Language

Remember that 'checked bags' are the ones you don't carry with you.

Checking In

Use 'checking in' with friends to show you care about their well-being.

Clarity

Always specify what you checked. Instead of 'I checked,' say 'I checked the list.'

Ego Check

Use 'check your ego' in a team setting to encourage humility.

Sports Context

In hockey, 'checked' is physical; in chess, it's a strategic threat.

Web Forms

In IT, 'checked' refers to a selected checkbox.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Checkmark' (✓). When you have checked something, you put a mark to show it is correct.

Visual Association

Imagine a pilot in a cockpit looking at a long list of buttons and switches, marking each one as 'checked'.

Word Web

verify stop chess airport hotel list safety examine

Challenge

Try to use 'checked' in three different ways today: for verification, for travel, and for restraint.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'eschec', which came from the Arabic 'shah' (king). It originally referred to the game of chess.

Original meaning: A move in chess that threatens the king.

Indo-European (via Persian, Arabic, and French).

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but 'checking someone' in slang can be seen as aggressive.

Commonly used in 'checks and balances' to describe the separation of powers in government.

The game of Chess (Checkmate) Airport Check-in counters Hockey body checks

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Airport

Checked baggage
Checked in
Check the gate
Check your passport

Office

Checked the report
Checked for errors
Checked with the boss
Checked the schedule

Home

Checked the mail
Checked the oven
Checked the door
Checked the fridge

Health

Checked the pulse
Checked the temperature
Checked the symptoms
Checked up on

Sports

Checked the king
Body checked
Checked the score
Checked the clock

Conversation Starters

"Have you checked the weather forecast for this weekend?"

"When was the last time you checked your bank account?"

"Have you ever checked into a hotel and found a surprise?"

"Do you always check your work twice before submitting it?"

"What's the most interesting thing you've checked out recently?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you checked something and found a major mistake.

Write about a situation where you had to check your emotions to stay professional.

How do you feel after you have checked off everything on your to-do list?

If you were a quality inspector, what is the first thing you would have checked today?

Reflect on the 'checks and balances' in your own life. Who or what keeps you in check?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'checked' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'check'. It can also be used as an adjective (e.g., a checked shirt).

'Checked' is general verification. 'Checked in' is a specific phrasal verb used for arriving at a hotel or airport.

Yes, in formal or literary English, 'checked' often means to stop or restrain the progress of something.

It is pronounced as one syllable: /tʃekt/. The 'ed' sounds like a 't'.

Yes, it is used globally. However, for marking a box, British speakers often say 'ticked'.

It can mean to look at something with interest or to be mentally distracted/uninterested.

Yes, you can 'check on' someone to see if they are okay, or 'check' someone in sports.

Baggage that is stored in the cargo hold of a plane, not carried by the passenger.

Yes, it follows the standard pattern of adding '-ed' for the past tense.

It means to maintain control over something so it doesn't become too much or too powerful.