I checked it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I checked it out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to examining or investigating something, such as a book, a place, or information. Example: "I checked it out at the library and found it to be very informative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I checked it out".

The New York Times - Magazine

I checked it out immediately.

The New York Times

I checked it out, Leon said through the glass.

The New Yorker

"I checked it out, and I decided it probably was not as advertised".

The New Yorker

I didn't believe the swimming-pool story until I checked it out on Google Earth.

The New Yorker

"I checked it out, and it was a bum rap," Mr. Dunne said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Should I check it out?

The New York Times

ENGINEER: Can I check it out on mine?

The New Yorker

He suggested I check it out because it was something that came naturally to me," she told The Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

"Now I wish I had checked it out with an independent financial advisor.

The Guardian - Money

"No, but I called and checked it out," he says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I checked it out" when you want to convey that you have personally examined or investigated something. It is suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I will check it out" when you have already completed the action. Use "I checked it out" to indicate that the examination or investigation is finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I checked it out" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker personally examined or investigated something. This phrase is commonly used to convey that the speaker has taken the initiative to review or inspect a particular item, place, or piece of information. Ludwig confirms the appropriateness of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I checked it out" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that one has personally examined or investigated something. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and offers various real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. This indicates a neutral to informal register, making it suitable for everyday conversations and general writing. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "I investigated it" or "I examined it". Overall, "I checked it out" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase for conveying personal investigation or review.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I looked into it

A common and slightly more informal way to say "I checked it out".

I had a look at it

A more casual way of saying "I checked it out".

I investigated it

Emphasizes a more thorough and formal examination.

I examined it

Implies a careful and detailed inspection.

I reviewed it

Suggests a systematic assessment or evaluation.

I assessed it

Focuses on evaluating its quality or suitability.

I inspected it

Focuses on a detailed visual or physical examination.

I went over it

Indicates a careful and thorough review or examination.

I scoped it out

An informal alternative, often used to describe reconnaissance or preliminary assessment.

I gave it a once-over

Implies a quick and cursory examination.

FAQs

What does "I checked it out" mean?

The phrase "I checked it out" means that someone has examined, investigated, or looked into something. It implies a personal review or assessment of a particular item, place, or piece of information.

Is "I checked it out" formal or informal?

The phrase "I checked it out" is generally considered semi-formal to informal. It's appropriate for everyday conversations and writings but may not be suitable for highly formal or academic contexts. You might prefer a more formal alternative like "I investigated it".

What can I say instead of "I checked it out"?

You can use alternatives like "I looked into it", "I examined it", or "I reviewed it", depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance to the act of checking.

How to use "I checked it out" in a sentence?

You can use "I checked it out" in a sentence to describe a past action of examining something. For example, "I checked it out on Google Earth" or "I checked it out at the library."