I checked him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I checked him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to verifying or examining someone, such as in a medical, security, or sports context. Example: "Before the game, I checked him to ensure he was fit to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I checked him out," Mr. Icahn says.

The New York Times

When I checked him there was no pulse.

The New York Times

"But then I checked him out and saw who he was".

The New York Times

So I checked him out with Michael White, and he said thumbs up".

The New York Times - Food

Gosden said: "The horse is on his way home and I checked him after the race with the racecourse vet and he seems fine.

The Guardian - Sport

I listened to him after a reviewer called our first EP 'too Springsteen' and I thought, 'What?' So I checked him out and I'm not sorry I did that at all.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

After an Afghan man recently visited the Kunduz team's compound to propose some joint projects, Major Williams mused, "Until I check him out, how can I be sure he isn't Al Qaeda scoping out my compound?

The New York Times

"Maybe I should have been… but I had Googled him, I had background checked him, I knew a lot about him before I came down".

Vice

"I took a chance and I poke-checked him.

The New York Times - Sports

While I was checking him out, he was certainly checking me out.

The Guardian - Film

Then a friend called me and said I should check him out again on the internet.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I checked him", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect of the person you verified or examined. For instance, specify if it was a background check, a medical assessment, or a performance review.

Common error

Avoid using "I checked him" without specifying what kind of check you performed. This lack of context can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I checked him" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that the speaker performed a verification or examination on someone. Ludwig provides examples in contexts ranging from background checks to medical assessments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I checked him" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that the speaker has verified or examined some aspect of another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media, and the specific meaning depends heavily on the context. To avoid ambiguity, it's best practice to clarify what type of check was performed. Alternatives such as "I vetted him" or "I looked into him" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I vetted him

Emphasizes a thorough investigation, often for suitability or trustworthiness.

I looked into him

Focuses on investigating his background or activities.

I examined him

Suggests a formal or detailed inspection, possibly medical or professional.

I investigated him

Highlights a formal inquiry into his actions or history.

I verified him

Focuses on confirming his identity or credentials.

I assessed him

Indicates an evaluation of his skills, abilities, or condition.

I monitored him

Implies a continuous observation of his activities.

I screened him

Suggests a preliminary examination to filter or qualify him.

I kept tabs on him

Informal way of saying monitored him or tracked his progress

I ran a background check on him

Specifically refers to conducting a formal background investigation.

FAQs

What does "I checked him" mean?

The phrase "I checked him" typically means that you verified something about a person, such as their background, health, or qualifications. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "I checked him"?

You can use alternatives like "I vetted him", "I looked into him", or "I examined him" depending on the specific context.

Is "I checked him out" the same as "I checked him"?

While similar, "I checked him out" often implies a more casual or superficial investigation, or looking at them romantically. "I checked him" can be more formal or specific, suggesting a defined verification process. Always adapt your word choice to fit the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I checked him" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly state that you verified or examined some aspect of a person. Ensure the context provides enough information to understand the nature of the check, or specify it directly, for example: “I checked his references”.