a preliminary check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial assessment or evaluation before a more detailed examination or process takes place. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, we need to conduct a preliminary check to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The company said a "preliminary check revealed no significant damage on the vessel body".

The Guardian

If an Olympic official suspects that a product is not authentic, the product can be scanned on the spot as a preliminary check.

The New York Times - Tech

N.Y.U. said it had no record of granting him a Ph.D. that year, and a preliminary check by the journals found no articles under his name.

The New York Times

A third A380 flight was en route from Tokyo to Frankfurt on Friday morning after a preliminary check overnight found no issues, the spokesman, Aage Duenhaupt, said.

The New York Times

A preliminary check of the sites failed to locate the recording, but Al Jazeera said the voice on the tape matched that of previous recordings by Mr. Abu Gheith, a Kuwaiti believed to be with Mr. bin Laden.

The New York Times

An anthropologist on the site does a preliminary check, and then it is sent to the medical examiner's office to determine if it is from a human being, and, if DNA can be extracted, to make an identification.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In order to make a very preliminary check of the forecasting capability of our model, we show in Fig. 5 the map of predicted number of events for the period Jan 1 2009 December 31 2009.

Earth, Planets and Space

This is immediately seized by two servants of Yama, the god of death, who carry it to their master for a preliminary identity check.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We're considering a preliminary location check that might expire after a certain amount of time, which would then become permanent once they verify their physical mailing address and receive the letter that we send to them.

TechCrunch

This will include a preliminary eligibility check.

BMC Nephrology

The patient had an initial consultation with study personnel to discuss study participation, which included a preliminary eligibility check.

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting processes, use "a preliminary check" to clearly indicate the initial step in verifying information or conditions before further action is taken.

Common error

Avoid treating "a preliminary check" as a substitute for thorough analysis when the situation demands it. Ensure the scope and depth of the check align with the actual requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary check" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase indicates an initial assessment before further examination. It highlights the beginning stage of a process or investigation, aiming to identify any immediate or obvious issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a preliminary check" is grammatically correct and serves as a noun phrase denoting an initial assessment. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a first-stage evaluation across various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the idea of a quick review before more detailed analysis. Related phrases include "an initial assessment" and "a quick review". When using "a preliminary check", ensure it aligns with the actual level of detail required, and avoid substituting it for thorough analysis when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial assessment

Focuses on the evaluative aspect, emphasizing the beginning stage of judging something.

a basic inspection

Highlights the simplicity and fundamental nature of the check.

a quick review

Emphasizes the speed and conciseness of the checking process.

a surface examination

Suggests a check that does not delve deeply into the subject.

an initial scan

Implies a rapid and broad check, similar to using a scanner.

a first look

Simplifies the concept to the action of initially viewing or assessing something.

a cursory investigation

Indicates a brief and superficial examination.

a spot check

Emphasizes that the check is selective and not exhaustive.

a triage evaluation

Draws a parallel to medical triage, indicating a prioritization and rapid assessment.

a precursory analysis

Highlights that the analysis is introductory and sets the stage for more detailed work.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary check" to describe an initial assessment, such as, "We conducted "a preliminary check" of the system before the update".

What's the difference between "a preliminary check" and "a final check"?

"A preliminary check" refers to an initial assessment, while "a final check" is a concluding verification step to ensure everything is correct.

What can I say instead of "a preliminary check"?

Alternatives include "an initial assessment", "a basic inspection", or "a quick review", depending on the context.

When is "a preliminary check" sufficient, and when is a more thorough examination needed?

"A preliminary check" is sufficient for quickly identifying obvious issues. A more thorough examination is needed when a detailed understanding or resolution of complex problems is required.