a strong check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a firm or effective verification, control, or balance in a situation. Example: "The committee implemented a strong check on the budget to prevent overspending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mercifully, the injunction to save Jews, to convert them, to see them as pre-eminently worthy of salvation, was a strong check on the demonization of Jews.

The New York Times - Books

Historically, this has been a strong check on OPEC's ability to keep prices high.The other unknown variable is the performance of the global economy in the coming year.

The Economist

In particular, it highlights the tension in many states, some say, between the need to keep the courts safely removed from political meddling and the need to keep a strong check on a court's power when it steps out of line.

The New York Times

We're keeping a strong check as well".

TechCrunch

Such alignment ― and ideally co-development ― of programs with the private sector serves as a strong check on the biggest problem of American workforce training: training divorced from market demand. .

Huffington Post

The most influential opinion issued with that decision -- one that still acts as a strong check on Executive Branch excess -- was written by Justice Robert H. Jackson, who got his seat on the Court through a Democrat, President Franklin Roosevelt.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

That might seem minor, but in reality, removing any threat of losing government money or contracts for forcing your bigoted religious beliefs on others is actually a pretty strong check on a lot of this behavior".

Huffington Post

Prison proved a strong reality check, too, for Nathaniel Hawthorne's son, Julian.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Reid plans to put forward a modest measure to increase the penalties for those who purchase guns illegally, known as straw purchasing, but without a strong background check bill, that bill could be rendered toothless.

The New York Times

Now that Democrats have learned to stop worrying and embrace the imperial presidency, the United States lacks a strong institutional check on the tendency toward executive hubris and wartime overreach.

The New York Times

If you have a strong stomach, check out the solicitous, at times flirtatious, banter between Trump and Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo as they discuss the "most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that you've ever seen," which Chinese President Xi Jinping supposedly savored as Trump shared an even tastier tidbit: the fact that the United States had just launched 59 cruise missiles.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "robust control" or "stringent safeguard" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong check" in very informal or casual settings. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound out of place in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "keeping an eye on" or "making sure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong check" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "strong" modifies the noun "check". It describes a robust or effective mechanism for control or restraint, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a strong check" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a powerful or effective control mechanism. Ludwig AI indicates it is commonly used in contexts where emphasis on robustness is required. While the phrase can appear in different type of documents, it is more typically found in news reports and articles. When using this phrase, ensure the object being controlled is clear and consider alternatives like "robust control" or "stringent safeguard" to fit specific nuances. While versatile, avoid using it in overly informal settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Overall, this phrase provides an effective way to communicate a sense of firm control or restraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a robust control

Replaces "check" with "control", emphasizing the act of maintaining power or influence.

a firm restraint

Substitutes "check" with "restraint", focusing on the limitation or suppression of something.

an effective constraint

Uses "constraint" instead of "check", highlighting the restriction or limitation imposed.

a powerful deterrent

Replaces "check" with "deterrent", shifting the focus to preventing something from happening.

a stringent safeguard

Emphasizes the protective aspect, replacing "check" with "safeguard" and "strong" with "stringent" for increased rigor.

a rigorous verification

Changes the focus to validation, replacing "check" with "verification" and "strong" with "rigorous" to indicate thoroughness.

a solid impediment

Substitutes "check" with "impediment", stressing the obstruction or hindrance created.

a significant counterbalance

Replaces "check" with "counterbalance", emphasizing the offsetting or neutralizing effect.

a marked limitation

Uses "limitation" instead of "check", highlighting the restricted nature or extent of something.

a considerable curb

Substitutes "check" with "curb", emphasizing the act of restraining or controlling something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong check" to describe something that effectively controls or restrains something else. For example, "The new regulations provide "a strong check" on corporate tax evasion."

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

Alternatives include "a robust control", "a firm restraint", or "an effective constraint", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a strong check" or "strong checks and balances"?

The choice depends on the context. "A strong check" refers to a single controlling factor, while "strong checks and balances" implies a system of multiple controls and safeguards.

What's the difference between "a strong check" and "a thorough check"?

"A strong check" implies a powerful or effective control, whereas "a thorough check" refers to a comprehensive or detailed examination.