Check the appropriate boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Check the appropriate boxes" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you are instructing someone to select options from a list or form. For example, "Please check the appropriate boxes to indicate your preferences." Alternative expressions include "Select the relevant boxes" and "Tick the correct boxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Check the appropriate boxes under the Service category label to assign categories.

University of California, Berkeley

Check the appropriate boxes.

WikiHow

Check the appropriate boxes to import mail, your address book, and/or rules, and then click Check the appropriate boxes to import mail, your address book, and/or rules, and then click.

WikiHow

Check the appropriate boxes to admit that you know your rights, to waive your right to trial and to plead guilty or "no contest".

WikiHow

Then, check the appropriate boxes for the various social media options.

University of California, Berkeley

After you check the appropriate boxes, TurboTax asks some more in-depth, but basic, questions related to the choices made above.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Check the appropriate box to add funds to an existing card.

University of California, Berkeley

She failed to check the appropriate box when she converted her $450,000 I.R.A. to a Roth in September 2008.

The New York Times

If you don't want to know exactly what is wrong with your system, you can check the appropriate box at the bottom of the ScanDisk screen to have the program automatically fix any errors it finds.

The New York Times - Tech

To submit recordings or scores, please check the appropriate box in Section VI of the Yale Supplement to the Common Application, titled "Supplementary Materials". Please do not contact faculty directly to request personal auditions.

Yale University

But what about those billionaires who proclaim themselves "non-partisan" and are so willing to fund any candidate who can check the appropriate box on a given issue (your Michael Bloombergs, your Tom Steyers, and even your your donor-collection funnels like the League of Conservation Voters)?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about which "boxes" are "appropriate" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, provide clear criteria or conditions for each option.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in contexts where a different action is required, such as filling in text fields or providing detailed answers. The phrase specifically applies to selecting from predefined options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check the appropriate boxes" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the reader to perform a specific action. As shown in examples found by Ludwig, it is used to guide users through forms or selections, ensuring they choose the correct options.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "check the appropriate boxes" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered imperative used to instruct someone to select the relevant options. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is commonly found in academic, wiki, and news contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, its purpose is clear and straightforward. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to avoid any confusion. Consider alternatives like "mark the relevant options" or "select the correct choices" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mark the relevant options

Replaces "check" with "mark" and "appropriate" with "relevant", offering a slightly more direct tone.

Select the correct choices

Uses "select" instead of "check" and "choices" instead of "boxes", implying a more deliberate selection process.

Tick the right boxes

Uses "tick" instead of "check" and "right" instead of "appropriate", maintaining a similar level of formality.

Indicate the suitable fields

Replaces "check" with "indicate" and "boxes" with "fields", shifting the focus to marking fields rather than boxes.

Choose the applicable items

Employs "choose" in place of "check" and "items" instead of "boxes", focusing on the act of choosing from a list.

Identify the proper selections

Substitutes "check" with "identify" and "boxes" with "selections", suggesting a more discerning approach.

Fill in the necessary bubbles

This variation uses "bubbles" instead of "boxes" which is relevant in multiple-choice tests.

Complete the required selections

Replaces both "check" and "boxes" with more formal terms, emphasizing the completion of required fields.

Specify the desired alternatives

This alternative uses "specify" instead of "check", and the phrase is useful when there are multiple valid choices.

Ensure the right options are selected

This expresses the same instruction as the initial sentence, but in a passive form.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "Check the appropriate boxes"?

You can use alternatives like "mark the relevant options", "select the correct choices", or "indicate the suitable fields" depending on the context.

Is "Check the appropriate boxes" formal or informal?

The phrase "Check the appropriate boxes" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional settings.

How do I use "Check the appropriate boxes" in a sentence?

You can use "Check the appropriate boxes" to instruct someone to select the relevant options from a list or form. For example, "Please check the appropriate boxes to indicate your preferences."

What does "appropriate" mean in the phrase "Check the appropriate boxes"?

In this context, "appropriate" means suitable, correct, or relevant. It refers to the boxes that are applicable or applicable to the specific situation or requirement.