a simple check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an easy or straightforward verification process. Example: "Before finalizing the report, I recommend doing a simple check of all the data to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

A simple check would have shown that my number plate is still in use.

The Guardian - Money

A simple check valve in the discharge prevented air from being drawn back into the bellows during the suction stroke.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Burnett's Final Four incentive bonus, a simple check to cut, was run through the payroll system in such a way that the contracted amount was more than halved.

The New York Times - Sports

"A simple check to see if the holdover figures were captured on the next day's trading activity would have caught this scheme," the report said.

The New York Times

Some people on Twitter then got very excited because a simple check revealed that the document had, in fact, been prepared by "CCHQ-Admin" – Conservative campaign headquarters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The onus is on consumers to do a simple check of comparison websites and either go with these or ask their current insurer to match the deal.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Using a variation on a simple check-kiting scheme, they bought the company with a check and then, once they had taken over, simply lent themselves the money to cover the purchase price.

The New York Times

However, pages are peppered with prompts to apply online via a "submit and send" service - a simple checking and completion stage for which it charges £11.44.

The Guardian - Money

TD Bank has adopted a Simple Checking Guide, which includes information on minimum deposits, overdraft fees and the bank's policy on processing payments and debits.

The New York Times

TD Bank officials say one of their hottest products is a simple checking account with no minimum balance requirement introduced in March.

The New York Times

I've watched the product evolve from a simple check-in service to a robust recommendation engine.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simple check", ensure the context clarifies what is being checked and why the check is considered simple. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple check" when the process involves multiple steps or requires specialized knowledge. Overstating simplicity can mislead the audience about the effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple check" functions as a noun phrase describing a verification or assessment process. It is generally used to indicate that the process is easy to perform and understand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple check" is a commonly used phrase that describes an easy and straightforward verification process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it's generally acceptable, being mindful of the audience and context is important, especially in formal settings. Alternatives like "an easy verification" or "a quick review" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, make sure that the check truly is simple and that the context is clear to avoid any misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy verification

Replaces 'simple' with 'easy' and 'check' with 'verification', emphasizing the straightforward nature of the process.

a quick review

Substitutes 'simple' with 'quick' and 'check' with 'review', highlighting the speed and efficiency of the assessment.

a basic inspection

Replaces 'simple' with 'basic' and 'check' with 'inspection', focusing on the fundamental nature of the examination.

a straightforward assessment

Substitutes 'simple' with 'straightforward' and 'check' with 'assessment', stressing the uncomplicated nature of the evaluation.

a routine examination

Replaces 'simple' with 'routine' and 'check' with 'examination', indicating the standard and regular nature of the process.

a preliminary evaluation

Changes 'simple' to 'preliminary' and 'check' to 'evaluation', highlighting that it is an initial assessment.

a cursory look

Replaces 'simple' with 'cursory' and 'check' with 'look', indicating a brief and superficial examination.

a brief scan

Substitutes 'simple' with 'brief' and 'check' with 'scan', emphasizing the short and quick nature of the observation.

a light perusal

Replaces 'simple' with 'light' and 'check' with 'perusal', focusing on the effortless and casual nature of the reading.

a surface-level inspection

Replaces 'simple' with 'surface-level' and 'check' with 'inspection', highlighting that the process examines only the external aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple check" to describe an easy verification process. For instance, "A simple check of the system logs can reveal the source of the error."

What are some alternatives to saying "a simple check"?

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

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a simple check"?

It's appropriate when referring to a straightforward and easily performed verification process. However, avoid using it if the check requires expertise or multiple steps.

Is "a simple check" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience and context. In highly formal settings, alternatives like "a routine examination" or "a straightforward assessment" may be more suitable.