a check against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a check against' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a comparison or measure of something that has been taken, usually for the purpose of ensuring accuracy or making sure there have been no errors. For example: The math teacher ran a check against the student's answers to make sure they were correct.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The amendment is a check against gross misconduct.

The New York Times

He sees live video as a check against police brutality.

The New Yorker

The analytic models serve a check against our measured data.

University of California, Berkeley

The Electoral College isn't just a check against regionalism.

The New York Times

He didn't just write a check against Blankenship.

The Washington Post

Disclosure, which the court counted on as a check against corruption, is scarce.

The New York Times

The Constitution's power split provides a check against Islamists, if they were to win elections.

The New York Times

By the same token, open benchmarking provides a check against costs falling too low.

The Guardian

The law was seen as a check against abuse by those in power.

The New York Times

In March, Lindros suffered his fourth concussion in two years after a check against Boston.

The New York Times - Sports

So what is it that would be a check against torture?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a check against", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being checked and what potential issue is being guarded against for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a check against" when you mean a direct solution. The phrase implies a preventative or monitoring measure, not a cure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a check against" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a preventive or controlling mechanism. It describes something that acts as a safeguard, deterrent, or limitation to prevent a specific undesirable outcome. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a check against" is a versatile phrase used to describe preventive measures or safeguards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what is being checked and the potential issues being guarded against. Consider using synonyms like ""a safeguard against"" or ""a protection against"" to add nuance. Remember, this phrase implies prevention or monitoring, not a direct solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a check on

Slightly more general term; implies monitoring or regulation rather than outright prevention.

a safeguard against

Emphasizes protection or prevention, shifting focus from active verification to proactive shielding.

a protection against

Similar to 'safeguard,' but stresses the act of defending or sheltering from potential harm.

a deterrent to

Highlights discouraging or preventing an action or event through fear or doubt.

a curb on

Indicates a restraint or limitation placed on something, implying a reduction in excess or undesirable behavior.

a restraint on

Suggests a control or check that limits freedom or action.

a buffer against

Implies a cushioning effect that reduces the impact of something, providing insulation against adverse effects.

a countermeasure to

Highlights an action taken to counteract or offset the effects of another action.

a control mechanism for

Focuses on the system or process designed to maintain order or regulate activity.

a preventative measure for

Stresses proactive steps taken to avoid negative outcomes or occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "a check against" in a sentence?

Use "a check against" to describe something that serves as a preventive measure or a form of verification. For example, "The new regulations serve as "a check against" corruption".

What's a good alternative to "a check against"?

Alternatives include "a safeguard against", "a deterrent to", or "a protection against", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "a check and balance against"?

While "checks and balances" is a common idiom, using "a check and balance against" can be redundant. It's often clearer and more concise to use either "a check against" or "a balance against", or simply rephrase the sentence.

What's the difference between "a check on" and "a check against"?

"A check on" generally implies monitoring or regulating something, while ""a check against"" suggests a preventive measure or safeguard to avoid negative outcomes. The former is observational, the latter is protective.