Explanation at your level:
You use check when you look at something. For example, you check your phone to see the time. It is a very useful word for everyday life. You can say 'I will check' when you are not sure about something.
At this level, you start using check with phrasal verbs. You might 'check in' at an airport or 'check out' a book from the library. It is a simple way to talk about verifying facts or completing small tasks.
Intermediate learners use check to describe monitoring processes. You might 'check on' a project's progress or 'check for' errors in a document. It is essential for workplace communication and organizing your schedule effectively.
At this level, you can use check in more abstract ways. You might 'check your ego' or 'keep your emotions in check.' These phrases show a higher command of nuance and figurative language in English.
Advanced users employ check in complex professional and academic contexts. You might discuss 'checking the validity of a hypothesis' or 'checking for systemic biases.' It functions as a precise verb for analytical inquiry and rigorous verification processes.
Mastery involves understanding the historical and cultural weight of the word. You might explore the etymological connection to the game of chess in literary analysis or use it in idiomatic expressions that are deeply embedded in native-speaker culture, showing total comfort with the word's versatility.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Check means to inspect or verify.
- It is a highly versatile verb.
- Commonly used in phrasal verbs like 'check in'.
- Essential for daily communication.
The word check is one of the most versatile verbs in the English language. At its core, it means to examine something to ensure it is correct, safe, or working properly. Think of it as a quick audit of your surroundings or your tasks.
Whether you are checking your email, checking the weather, or checking on a friend, the underlying action is the same: you are gathering information to confirm a state of being. It is a fundamental tool for navigating daily life effectively.
The history of check is actually quite exciting! It comes from the Old French word eschec, which was used in the game of chess. When a player put the opponent's king in danger, they would say 'check'.
This evolved from the Persian word shah, meaning 'king'. Over centuries, the meaning expanded from the chess board to general inspection and verification. It is fascinating how a word about a royal piece in a board game became a common verb for verifying our grocery lists!
You will hear check used in almost every social setting. It is highly flexible. You can use it in professional settings, like 'checking the data,' or casual ones, like 'checking out a new movie.'
Common collocations include check in, check out, and check up on. These phrasal verbs add specific nuances, such as registering at a hotel or investigating a medical concern. It is a neutral word that fits perfectly in both formal and informal registers.
Idioms with check are very common in spoken English.
- Keep in check: To control something.
- Check your privilege: To be aware of your advantages.
- Rain check: To postpone an invitation.
- Check out: To leave or investigate something.
- Check the boxes: To fulfill all requirements.
As a verb, check follows regular conjugation: checks, checked, checking. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object (e.g., 'Check the time').
In IPA, it is /tʃɛk/. It rhymes with words like neck, deck, and wreck. The stress is always on the single syllable, making it punchy and clear in conversation.
Fun Fact
The word is linked to the Persian word for 'King'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short, sharp 'e' sound.
Slightly more open 'e' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'ch' as 'sh'
- Adding a syllable
- Weakening the final 'k'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read
Simple to use
Commonly used
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs
Check the book.
Phrasal Verbs
Check in.
Imperative Mood
Check this!
Examples by Level
I check my email.
Look at/read
Simple present
Check the time.
Look at
Imperative
Please check this.
Examine
Polite request
I check the door.
Verify
Action verb
Check the price.
Look at
Imperative
He checks his bag.
Examine
Third person singular
Check for keys.
Look for
Verb + preposition
Did you check?
Verify
Past tense question
Check in at the hotel.
Check out the new shop.
I need to check my notes.
Check the map for directions.
Can you check the oven?
She checked the calendar.
We checked the list twice.
Check the weather report.
I will check on the progress.
Check for any spelling mistakes.
He checked his bank balance.
Let me check my schedule.
Check the pressure in the tires.
They checked the facts thoroughly.
Check in with me later.
I checked the fridge for milk.
Keep your temper in check.
Check that the data is accurate.
We need to check the feasibility.
Check the fine print before signing.
She checked her privilege during the talk.
Check the engine for leaks.
I'll take a rain check on that.
Check the box to agree.
The auditor checked the financial records.
Check the hypothesis against the data.
He checked the impulse to speak.
Check for inconsistencies in the report.
The system performs a self-check.
She checked the spread of the fire.
Check the validity of the source.
We must check the underlying assumptions.
His power remained unchecked for years.
Check the nuance of the argument.
The king was placed in check.
Check the growth of the weeds.
A check on executive authority.
Check the veracity of the claim.
He checked the flow of the river.
The check and balance system works.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Rain check"
Postpone an offer
Can I take a rain check?
casual"Keep in check"
Control
Keep your spending in check.
neutral"Check your ego"
Be humble
You need to check your ego.
casual"Check out"
Leave or investigate
Let's check out the park.
casual"Check the boxes"
Fulfill requirements
He checked all the boxes.
neutral"Check in"
Report status
Check in when you arrive.
neutralEasily Confused
Same sound
Cheque is money, check is action
I wrote a cheque after I checked the balance.
Spelling
US vs UK spelling
US: Check, UK: Cheque (for money).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + check + noun
I check my email.
Subject + check + on + noun
I check on the kids.
Subject + check + for + noun
Check for errors.
Subject + check + that + clause
Check that the door is locked.
Subject + check + if + clause
Check if he is home.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
No preposition needed
Direct object usage
Wrong phrasal verb
Direct object required
Direct object vs preposition
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant checkmark on every object you inspect.
Native Speakers
Use 'check' for almost any inspection task.
Cultural Insight
Checkmate is the ultimate 'check' moment.
Grammar Shortcut
Check usually takes a direct object.
Say It Right
Keep the 'ch' soft and the 'k' crisp.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't add 'to' after check.
Did You Know?
Chess players say 'check' to warn the king.
Study Smart
Make a checklist of words you learn today.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a king (chess) looking at a list.
Visual Association
A clipboard with a big green checkmark.
Word Web
Challenge
Check three things in your room right now.
Word Origin
Old French / Persian
Original meaning: King (in chess)
Cultural Context
None
Used constantly in daily life, from airports to banks.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Travel
- Check in
- Check out
- Check bags
Work
- Check progress
- Check data
- Check email
Daily Life
- Check time
- Check weather
- Check list
Shopping
- Check price
- Check size
- Check availability
Conversation Starters
"Did you check the news today?"
"Can you check on this for me?"
"Do you keep a daily checklist?"
"What do you check first in the morning?"
"Have you checked out that new movie?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to check something important.
Why is it important to check facts?
What is on your current checklist?
Describe your morning routine using the word check.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is both.
It is a phrasal verb for arriving.
No, it is 'check the door'.
Checked.
It is neutral.
Yes, in specific contexts.
A list of items to check.
Yes, 'check on' someone.
Test Yourself
I need to ___ the time.
Check is the correct verb for looking at time.
What does 'check in' mean at a hotel?
Check in is to register.
To 'check on' someone means to ignore them.
It means to see how they are doing.
Word
Meaning
Matching terms to meanings.
Always check the facts.
Score: /5
Summary
To check is to confirm that everything is as it should be.
- Check means to inspect or verify.
- It is a highly versatile verb.
- Commonly used in phrasal verbs like 'check in'.
- Essential for daily communication.
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant checkmark on every object you inspect.
Native Speakers
Use 'check' for almost any inspection task.
Cultural Insight
Checkmate is the ultimate 'check' moment.
Grammar Shortcut
Check usually takes a direct object.
Example
请查看你的邮件。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
