check
check — verb
1. to take a quick look at something to confirm that it has no problems and is in a
to take a quick look at something to confirm that it has no problems and is in acceptable condition
Pedro checked the tyres on his car before driving to the coast.
check + noun phrase for safety inspection
I always check that the front door is locked before I go to bed.
check + that-clause for confirming something is done
Before you send the email, check for spelling mistakes first.
check + for + noun for looking for faults
Imani checked her son's homework before he handed it in.
The mechanic checked the oil level and added more where needed.
- check carefully
- check regularly
- check for errors
- check the details
- check your work
- ignore
to deliberately not pay attention to something
Grammar Patterns
check + noun phrase
check + that-clause
check + for + noun
Usage Note
Frequently used in imperatives when giving instructions ("Check the expiry date before use."). Common in both everyday and professional contexts.
Common Mistakes
2. to examine a source or speak to someone with the aim of discovering information
to examine a source or speak to someone with the aim of discovering information
Emre checked what time the last train to Hsinchu left the station.
check + wh-clause for getting information
I'll check with my supervisor whether the budget has been approved.
check with + person + whether-clause
Talia checked the weather forecast before planning her picnic.
Could you check if the guests have arrived at the hotel yet?
The nurse checked on the elderly patient every two hours overnight.
- check with someone
- check on someone
- check the schedule
Grammar Patterns
check + wh-clause
check + if/whether-clause
check on + noun
check with + person
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 (EXAMINE): sense 1 focuses on verifying correctness or safety, while sense 2 focuses on obtaining unknown information. The pattern 'check on someone' is specifically about visiting or contacting a person to see if they are well or safe.
Common Mistakes
3. to stop or control something so that it does not get worse, increase, or continu
to stop or control something so that it does not get worse, increase, or continue
The new policy aims to check the rising cost of housing in Taipei.
check + noun phrase for controlling an increase
Heloísa covered her mouth to check her laughter during the ceremony.
check + emotion noun for holding back a feeling
The firefighters worked hard to check the spread of the flames.
Benjamin bit his lip to check an angry reply to his boss.
International efforts are needed to check the growth of the illegal wildlife trade.
- check the spread
- check the growth
- check inflation
- check one's anger
Grammar Patterns
check + noun phrase
Usage Note
Object is usually an abstract noun describing something undesirable or unwanted (growth, spread, decline, laughter, anger). More formal and literary than 'stop' or 'control'. Less common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
4. to give your suitcases or bags to an airline employee so that they are loaded on
to give your suitcases or bags to an airline employee so that they are loaded onto the plane for you
Ravindra checked his suitcase at the counter and kept only a small bag.
check + luggage at an airline counter
You should check your bags at least one hour before the flight departs.
Passengers flying to Osaka can check their luggage at the new self-service kiosk.
We checked our bags through to London to avoid collecting them in Dubai.
- check a bag
- check luggage
- check suitcases
- check baggage
- send as checked baggage
longer, more technical term used by airlines
- carry on
to take a bag onto the plane with you
Grammar Patterns
check + noun phrase
check + noun phrase + in/onto
Usage Note
Always transitive. Commonly used as 'check in luggage' (UK) or 'check luggage' (US). Not used for carry-on bags that you bring onto the plane yourself.
Common Mistakes
5. to hand over an item like a coat, bag, or umbrella to an attendant who looks aft
to hand over an item like a coat, bag, or umbrella to an attendant who looks after it while you visit a venue
Trang checked her coat at the restaurant entrance and took a ticket.
check + coat/bag + at + place for temporary safekeeping
Visitors can check their backpacks in the museum cloakroom free of charge.
I checked my umbrella with the receptionist before going into the theatre.
The hotel lets guests check their luggage after they have checked out of their room.
- check a coat
- check a bag
- check luggage
- check in the cloakroom
- leave
more general; does not specify the safekeeping arrangement
Grammar Patterns
check + noun phrase
check + noun phrase + with + person
check + noun phrase + in + place
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 4 (travel): sense 4 is specifically for airline baggage that goes on the plane. Sense 5 is for leaving items with a person or in a cloakroom for short-term safekeeping — the items are usually returned to you.
Common Mistakes
6. if information, figures, or statements check, they match each other or are shown
if information, figures, or statements check, they match each other or are shown to be true when compared
The total on the receipt checks with the amount in my bank account.
check with + noun phrase for matching information
Her account of the accident checks with what the other passengers described.
The survey results do not check with our earlier findings from last year.
Sumin told the police her story, and everything she said checked.
- check with
- do not check
- story checks
- match
more common in everyday speech; can be transitive or intransitive
- correspond
more formal; implies systematic agreement between sets of data
- tally
informal; specifically about numbers or amounts agreeing
- contradict
to be opposite to and therefore disagree with
- differ
to be unlike or not the same as
Grammar Patterns
check with + noun phrase
Usage Note
Always intransitive. This sense cannot take a direct object. Often used in the negative ('does not check', 'do not check') to indicate disagreement between sets of information. More common in formal or investigative contexts.
Common Mistakes
7. to draw a tick (✓) beside an entry on a list or in a document as a sign that it
to draw a tick (✓) beside an entry on a list or in a document as a sign that it is correct, finished, or has been accepted
Pedro checked every name on the list as the children came in.
check + name + off list
Before the trip, Imani checked every box on the school form.
The teacher asked Olivia to check the returned library books against the records.
Sora checked the things he wanted to buy off the shopping list.
check + noun phrase + off + list
Trang checked the correct answer on the page with a small tick.
check + answer + with a tick
- check a box
- check a name
- check an item
- check off a list
- check with a tick
Grammar Patterns
check + noun phrase
check + noun phrase + off + noun phrase
8. in chess, to move a piece so that it directly threatens the opponent's king, for
in chess, to move a piece so that it directly threatens the opponent's king, forcing the opponent to defend on the next move
Emre checked his opponent's king with a knight, forcing a quick defensive move.
check + king + with + piece
Ravindra smiled as he checked the black king by moving his rook across the board.
Talia checked the white king from two directions, leaving the defence with no good option.
check + king + from + direction
A wrong move let the other player check the king from two sides.
- check the king
- check with a rook
- check with a knight
- check from two sides
Grammar Patterns
check + possessive + king
check + king + with + piece
Usage Note
When a king is checked, the player whose king is attacked must get the king out of danger on the next move — by moving the king, blocking the attack with another piece, or capturing the attacking piece.
9. in ice hockey and similar contact sports, to make legal contact with an opposing
in ice hockey and similar contact sports, to make legal contact with an opposing player using your body or stick, aiming to separate them from the puck or stop their progress
Heloísa checked the opposing player against the boards to win the puck.
check + player + against + boards
The referee called a penalty when Sumin checked the forward from behind.
Sirin moved quickly and checked the attacker just before she could shoot the puck.
check + player + before + action
In the final period, the defence checked every player who came near the goal.
- check a player
- check against the boards
- check from behind
- body check
- body-check
more specific; refers to using the body rather than the stick to stop an opponent
- hit
more general; can apply to any sport but lacks the specific meaning of a legal defensive check in hockey
Grammar Patterns
check + player
check + player + against + noun phrase
Usage Note
Body checking is a legal defensive move in ice hockey and lacrosse, but the rules limit how and where a player can be hit. Checking from behind is usually a penalty.
check in
phrasal verbTo arrive and register at a hotel, airport, or event.
Maya checked in at the hotel reception desk.
Did you check in online for your flight?
check into
phrasal verbTo investigate or look into something.
The police checked into the missing car report.
Sara checked into the company's financial records.
check off
phrasal verbTo mark an item on a list as completed or verified.
Brian checked off each task on his to-do list.
Have you checked off the groceries we bought?
check on
phrasal verbTo visit or look at someone or something to see if they are okay.
Diego checked on his grandmother every morning.
Could you check on the baby while I cook?
check out
phrasal verbTo leave a hotel after paying or to examine something interesting.
We checked out of the hotel at noon.
Check out that new bookstore on Main Street!
check over
phrasal verbTo examine something carefully to find mistakes or problems.
The teacher checked over the students' essays.
Min checked over the car engine before the trip.
check through
phrasal verbTo examine all parts of something, often a list or document.
Aiden checked through the contract for errors.
Did you check through the guest list carefully?
check up on
phrasal verbTo make sure someone is doing what they should or is safe.
Maya's mom checked up on her homework progress.
The nurse checked up on the patient every hour.
check — noun
1. The act of looking at something carefully to see whether it is correct, safe, or
The act of looking at something carefully to see whether it is correct, safe, or in good condition.
Pedro gave the car engine a quick check before driving to work.
collocation: quick check / routine check
Airport staff do a safety check on every piece of luggage.
Imani ran a final check of the guest list before the wedding.
collocation: run a check / final check
The doctor performed a routine check on Emre's eyes and ears.
collocation: routine check / perform a check
A check of the records showed that the payment had gone through.
- safety check
- routine check
- background check
- quick check
- final check
- run a check
- do a check
- carry out a check
- inspection
more formal, often used for equipment or buildings
- verification
focuses on confirming truth or accuracy of information
- examination
suggests a more thorough, longer process than a check
Grammar Patterns
check + of + noun
check + on + noun
run a check
do a check
carry out a check
Usage Note
Often paired with verbs like 'do,' 'run,' 'carry out,' or 'perform.' The item being checked is typically introduced by 'of' or 'on': 'a check of the documents,' 'a check on the engine.'
Common Mistakes
2. An official paper form that instructs a financial institution to move a specific
An official paper form that instructs a financial institution to move a specific sum from your account to another person or business. (US spelling; the British spelling is 'cheque.')
Olivia wrote a check for two hundred dollars to pay the rent.
pattern: write a check + for + [amount]
Heloísa paid the plumber by check instead of using cash.
pattern: pay by check
Talia's grandmother sent her a birthday check inside the card.
Ravindra's landlord asked him to make the check out to Green Street Properties.
pattern: make out a check to [recipient]
- write a check
- pay by check
- blank check
- check for [amount]
- make out a check
- cash a check
- bounce a check
- bank draft
a more secure payment document issued directly by a bank
- money order
a prepaid document that can be bought without a bank account
- cash
physical money, not a written payment order
Grammar Patterns
write a check
pay by check
check + for + amount
make out a check + to + person
Usage Note
American English term. In British English the spelling is 'cheque.' The fixed phrase 'pay by check' uses 'by' without an article. 'Make out a check to someone' means to write the recipient's name on the payee line.
Common Mistakes
3. A design made of small squares of two or more different colors, arranged like a
A design made of small squares of two or more different colors, arranged like a chessboard.
Trang wore a shirt with a red and white check pattern to the picnic.
collocation: check pattern
The curtains had small blue and yellow checks that matched the sofa cushions.
Sora chose a picnic blanket in a classic black and white check fabric.
pattern: in + [color] + check
Sumin's kitchen floor was covered in large gray and cream checks.
- check pattern
- check fabric
- check shirt
- checked dress
- in check
- gingham check
Grammar Patterns
check pattern
fabric + in + check
checks + of + color
Usage Note
Can be countable (a check = one square or a pattern composed of squares) or uncountable (fabric 'in check'). Often combined with color names: 'gingham check,' 'houndstooth check.' 'Checked' is the adjective form used for fabric or clothing.
Common Mistakes
4. A piece of paper given to you at the end of a meal in a restaurant, showing the
A piece of paper given to you at the end of a meal in a restaurant, showing the total amount you need to pay.
After dinner, Pedro asked the waiter to bring the check.
pattern: ask for / bring the check
Imani picked up the check before her friend could offer to pay.
pattern: pick up the check
The check for three pizzas and four drinks came to forty dollars.
Iris split the check equally with her coworkers after their lunch meeting.
pattern: split the check
- ask for the check
- pick up the check
- split the check
- pay the check
- bring the check
- the check please
Grammar Patterns
the check
ask for the check
pick up the check
split the check
Usage Note
American English term. In British English the equivalent is 'bill.' Common polite request: 'Could I have the check, please?' 'Pick up the check' means to pay for everyone's meal.
Common Mistakes
5. A force or measure that stops something from going beyond a certain point, growi
A force or measure that stops something from going beyond a certain point, growing too large, or becoming uncontrolled.
The new rules aim to keep a check on rising prices in the city.
pattern: keep a check on + [something]
Emre tried to hold his temper in check during the heated discussion.
pattern: hold [something] in check
Farmers need to keep a check on the amount of water they use each month.
Sirin kept her monthly spending in check by sticking to a careful budget.
pattern: keep [something] in check
- keep in check
- hold in check
- keep a check on
- freedom
the opposite of being restrained or controlled
Grammar Patterns
keep a check on + noun
hold/keep + noun + in check
Usage Note
Commonly appears in the fixed expressions 'keep/hold something in check' (control it) and 'keep a check on something' (monitor and limit it). 'In check' is a fixed phrase without any article. Subject is often something undesirable: temper, spending, prices, population.
Common Mistakes
6. Rules or systems designed to prevent any one person, group, or part of an organi
Rules or systems designed to prevent any one person, group, or part of an organization from gaining or using too much power.
The company uses a system of checks and balances to prevent financial fraud.
collocation: system of checks and balances
Checks and balances in government ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful.
The school board added new checks on how the principal could spend school funds.
pattern: checks on + [power/authority]
A healthy democracy depends on effective checks and balances among its institutions.
- checks and balances
- system of checks and balances
- checks on [power/authority]
- safeguards
measures that protect against unwanted outcomes or abuse
- controls
mechanisms that regulate behavior or processes
- oversight
supervision designed to prevent mistakes or misconduct
Grammar Patterns
checks and balances
a system of checks and balances
checks on + noun
Usage Note
Almost always used in the plural form 'checks' or in the fixed expression 'checks and balances.' Commonly associated with government systems (separation of powers among executive, legislative, judicial branches) but also used in corporate governance and organizational management.
Common Mistakes
7. A checkmark (✓) that people place beside list items, test answers, or form field
A checkmark (✓) that people place beside list items, test answers, or form fields to indicate approval, verification, or completion.
Iris put a check next to every item on her shopping list.
put a check next to [item]
The teacher used red checks to mark the correct answers on the test.
Pedro placed a check mark in each box after finishing the step.
place a check mark in [box]
Olivia counted the checks on her exam paper and knew she had passed.
Please put a check in the box if you agree to the terms of service.
- put a check
- place a check
- add a check
- draw a check
- red check
8. In the game of chess, a move that directly threatens the opponent's king and for
In the game of chess, a move that directly threatens the opponent's king and forces the other player to defend or move it out of danger.
Emre announced 'check' after moving his bishop toward Talia's king.
announce 'check'
Ravindra's sudden check caught his opponent off guard during the match.
A well-placed check can force the other player into a losing position.
force [opponent] into [position]
Imani studied the board for five minutes before making her check.
The young player learned that a check must always be answered immediately.
- announce check
- declare check
- make a check
- deliver a check
- check move
Less formal, used by casual players
Usage Note
This sense refers to the attacking move itself. To describe the king's state of being under attack, use sense 9 (IN DANGER).
9. The situation in chess where a player's king is under direct attack by an oppone
The situation in chess where a player's king is under direct attack by an opponent's piece and must be moved or protected on the next turn.
Heloísa realized her king was in check and needed to move to safety.
king in check
When a king is in check, the player must respond before making other moves.
Sirin put Trang's king in check with a bold move of her queen.
put [king] in check
The rules state you cannot make a move that leaves your own king in check.
A beginner must learn to spot when their own king is in check.
- in check
- king in check
- put [king] in check
- be in check
- remain in check
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed phrase 'in check'. Unlike sense 8 (ATTACK KING), this sense describes a state rather than an action — the king is in a position of being threatened.
Common Mistakes
10. In ice hockey and similar contact sports, a defensive action where one competito
In ice hockey and similar contact sports, a defensive action where one competitor bumps or shoves an opponent, forcing them to lose control of the puck or ball.
Sumin practiced her hip check every day to improve her defense.
hip check
Sora's shoulder check stopped the forward from reaching the puck.
shoulder check
The referee called a penalty for an illegal check near the boards.
A hard check can knock the puck away from the opposing team.
Coaches teach young players how to give a safe and legal check.
safe check / legal check
- hip check
- shoulder check
- body check
- illegal check
- clean check
- give a check
- throw a check
- body check
Specifically refers to a check using the whole body rather than a hip or shoulder
- tackle
Used in rugby and American football for a similar defensive action; not interchangeable in ice hockey
Usage Note
Commonly modified by a type or quality: hip check, shoulder check, body check, clean check, illegal check. The term comes from ice hockey but is also used in lacrosse and rugby.
check — exclamation
1. said as a spoken confirmation when someone reads out items on a list, to show th
said as a spoken confirmation when someone reads out items on a list, to show that each thing has been done or is present — for example, answering 'check!' as a teacher calls the roll or a supervisor reads a packing list.
"Check!" Pedro called out as the teacher named each supply item for the trip.
checklist confirmation in a classroom setting
Iris's mother read the packing list aloud, and Iris answered "Check!" to each item.
question-and-response format
The stage manager went down the equipment list and said "Check!" after every item.
professional checklist context
"Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat — check, check, check!" Heloísa laughed as she packed her bag.
repeated 'check' for multiple items
Emre ticked the boxes on his form and whispered "Check!" each time.
- say 'check'
- answer 'check'
- call out 'check'
- whisper 'check'
- tick and say 'check'
Usage Note
Common in checklist verification contexts — packing, inventory counts, or roll calls. Functions as a spoken confirmation similar to 'yes' or 'done.' The register is informal and conversational; in a formal written report, 'confirmed' would be used instead.
Common Mistakes
2. said in the game of chess to tell the opponent that their king is under direct t
said in the game of chess to tell the opponent that their king is under direct threat and must be moved, blocked, or captured to remove the danger.
"Check!" cried Sora as he moved his knight, attacking Ravindra's king directly.
exclamation announcing a king attack in chess
Sumin smiled and announced "Check!" placing his bishop so that Olivia's king was in danger.
different chess piece (bishop) example
Trang blockaded Sirin's king with her rook and whispered "Check."
"Check!" the coach reminded the class. "You cannot ignore it — move your king or block the attack."
instructional context explaining the rule
"Check!" Imani called out, pointing at Talia's king after moving her pawn.
- shout 'check'
- announce 'check'
- cry 'check'
- whisper 'check'
- call 'check'
Usage Note
Only used in chess. Distinguish from the noun sense ('to be in check'), which describes the state of the king rather than the spoken exclamation. The formal tournament announcement is simply 'check,' without extra words like 'king' or 'attack.'
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All five words involve looking at something carefully, but they differ in thoroughness, purpose, and formality. 'Check' is the everyday word for a quick look to confirm correctness or safety — you check the time, check a tyre, check your email. 'Inspect' is more formal and methodical, suggesting a systematic, often official examination: a building inspector inspects a property for safety violations. 'Examine' is the most thorough; you examine a patient, a document, or evidence in detail, often to understand or diagnose. 'Verify' is formal and focuses on proving truth or accuracy against a standard: a scientist verifies experimental results. 'Scan' is the quickest — a rapid, often visual survey for a specific target: you scan a crowd for a friend's face. 'Review' suggests looking back over something already done to assess or improve it: a manager reviews a report before submission. For everyday checking of routine things — homework, email, a shopping list — use 'check.' For official or detailed scrutiny, prefer 'inspect' or 'examine'; for confirmation against a reference, use 'verify.'
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'check' entered English through the game of chess. It traces back to the Old French word 'eschec', which came from Medieval Latin 'scaccus', which in turn came from Arabic 'šāh', borrowed from the Persian word 'šāh' meaning 'king' — the very same root found in 'checkmate' (from Persian 'šāh māt' meaning 'the king is defeated'). In chess, calling out 'check!' warned the opponent that their king was under attack. From this, the idea of 'stopping or controlling' grew: a king in check is restrained. The meaning of 'examining or verifying' developed in the 16th century, from the concept of checking a list against a reference to confirm accuracy. The financial sense (American 'check' / British 'cheque') appeared in the 18th century as a written order that could be 'checked' for fraud. The square-pattern sense ('checkered', 'checks') comes from the chessboard itself, whose alternating squares gave the pattern its name.