Exploring Phrasal Verbs with ‘Check’

Learning phrasal verbs is an essential aspect of mastering the English language. Today, we will be exploring various phrasal verbs incorporating the term ‘check‘ [tʃek]. This word often means inspecting something to ensure proper functionality or adherence to a standard. However, within a phrasal verb, ‘check’ can take on a whole range of nuanced interpretations.

Most important phrasal verbs with ‘Check’

Check in – This can mean one of two things: in a hotel or airport context, it signifies registering your arrival. In a more general communication sense, it means to make contact, often to update someone on your situation or progress.

Example:

• We need to check in at the hotel before 6 pm
• I check in with my supervisor every Monday to update on the progress of the project

Check out – Similarly, this phrasal verb has a dual function. At a shop, library, or hotel, it means completing your transactions and leaving. In a more casual setting, it means to look at something or someone, often in admiration or curiosity.

Example:

• After you have selected items you wish to purchase, you can check out at the counter.
• Check out the classic car driving down the main street!

Check up on – If you ‘check up on’ someone or something, you are inspecting or assessing them, often to ensure they are doing okay or completing tasks as expected.

Example:

• My mother-in-law often checks up on us to see how we are managing with the new baby.

Check over – This means to examine something carefully to make sure it’s accurate or in good condition.

Example:

• Before signing the contract, I had my lawyer check over all the details.

Check off – To ‘check off’ means to mark an item as done, often on a list.

Example:

• After completing my morning run, I checked it off my daily to-do list.

Check back – This typically means to return to a place or person to see if something has changed or if something you are waiting for is ready.

Example:

• The doctor told me to check back in a week if the symptoms didn’t improve.

Check through – Similar to ‘check over’, this means to thoroughly inspect each detail of something.

Example:

• I checked through my report one final time before submitting it.

Check into – This phrasal verb means to register at a hotel or to investigate something more deeply.

Example:

• When we arrived, we immediately checked into the hotel.
• The police are checking into the allegations made against him.

Check with – If you ‘check with’ someone, you are confirming something with them.

Example:

• I will need to check with my manager before I can approve that request.

Check by – This phrase suggests dropping in to see someone, similar to ‘check in on.’

Example:

• I’ll check by your office later to discuss the reports.

Check up – To ‘check up’ means to have a general medical examination.

Example:

• I have a yearly check-up with my doctor to make sure everything is in order.

Check against – If you ‘check against,’ you are verifying one set of data with another.

Example:

• Please check the order against the delivery to make sure everything is correct.

Check for – This means to actively search for or try to detect something.

Example:

• Could you check for any spelling mistakes in the document, please?

Check on – Means to visit somebody or something to ensure that they’re fine or safe; similar to ‘check up on’.

Example:

• I’ll check on the baby before I go to bed.

Check round – Refers to examining or inspecting a place usually in order to find someone or something.

Example:

• I can’t find my glasses. I’ll check round the house.

Check under – Refers to examining or looking beneath an object or surface.

Example:

• Check under the bed to see if your shoe is there.

Check over/through – These two phrasal verbs mean to examine something closely.

Example:

• Please check over your work before handing it in.
• Check through your emails to make sure you haven’t missed any important ones.

Check out of – If you ‘check out of’ an establishment, like a hotel, it signifies your departure.

Example:

• I checked out of the hotel early this morning.

Check back with – This usually means to return to a person or place to receive an update on a previously discussed matter.

Example:

• I’ll check back with you once I have more information.

Check off on – This means to approve or give consent to something after reviewing it.

Example:

• My supervisor needs to check off on the project before I can continue.

Check through – This is to examine something carefully and thoroughly, particularly a set of documents, a list, etc.

Example:

• I checked through the contract to make sure everything was correct.

Video – 10 Phrasal Verbs with CHECK: check in, check out, check for…

Phrasal verbs with ‘check’ offer extensive usage in different contexts and conversations. Their mastery will enhance your fluvelncy and understanding of the English language. Keep practicing, and continue ‘checking in’ on your progress.

Remember, using phrasal verbs will make your English sound more natural and native-like. Take the time to practice and incorporate these “CHECK” phrasal verbs into your conversations and writing. As you become familiar with them, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your language proficiency, enabling you to communicate with greater confidence and fluency.