accept a check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accept a check" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of receiving a check as a form of payment. Example: "Our store policy allows us to accept a check for purchases over $50."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

His father refused to accept a check for some cash he had borrowed on arrival.

The New Yorker

The clerk said he could not accept a check from an unfamiliar customer.

The New Yorker

Once the leak stops and final payments can be determined, claimants who accept a check will have to sign a release in which they agree not to sue BP, Mr. Feinberg said.

The New York Times

I remember being with her at a local store when the pharmacist behind the counter explained that he would accept a check from her written on my father's account; I don't think she'd even known writing a check was a possibility.

Huffington Post

Never accept a check from a company before you complete the work.

WikiHow

There is far greater profit and lower overhead involved for Insurance Companies when they can get you to accept a check under the true "Fair Market Value" of your Auto, and send you to buy a different vehicle on your own; far more profits than are involved in processing bills and payments for repair shops.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Last year, by all reports, it was a special moment when Mr. Pag presented the prize to the new Botul laureate, who could not hide his emotion when he accepted a check for 10.

The New York Times

We don't know whether she took home the recipe for Theadora Smafield's victorious No-Knead Water-Rising Nut Twists, but a photographer captured the moment when Mrs. Smafield accepted a check for fifty thousand dollars.

The New Yorker

Before she accepted a check, Ms. Herrin says, she told Doug Mackenzie, her investor at Radar Partners: "This company is going to have an initial slower pace of growth than it otherwise would because I want to go to swim class with my daughter on Friday afternoon".

The New York Times

It would take a lot more than this bizarre situation for most founders to be deterred from accepting a check from Sequoia, whose imprimatur can make everything easier, from assembling a team, to attracting press, to, later, luring the right investment bankers.

TechCrunch

Once you log in, you are taken to the register, which allows you to enter the total into the keyboard and take a payment in a variety of ways, including swiping the credit card using PayPal Here, entering the number manually, scanning the card using Card.io's acquired technology, accepting a check, or using cash.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering payment options, clearly state whether you "accept a check" to avoid confusion. This is particularly important in business settings.

Common error

Don't assume a check is valid simply because it looks legitimate. Always verify funds or use check verification services, especially for large amounts, to prevent financial loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept a check" functions as a verb phrase where 'accept' is the verb indicating willingness to receive something and 'a check' is the noun representing the payment method. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accept a check" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe the act of receiving a check as a form of payment. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, though its usage is considered uncommon. The phrase is typically found in news articles and how-to guides, signaling an openness to receiving payment via check. While not as common as it once was, "accept a check" remains a valid phrase to convey payment acceptance. Remember to verify funds to avoid potential issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive a check

Focuses on the act of getting the check, slightly different from the implication of processing it.

take a check

Emphasizes the action of accepting a check as a form of payment.

cash a check

Highlights the action of exchanging the check for money.

process a check

Focuses on the administrative or banking procedure of handling a check.

deposit a check

Emphasizes placing the check into a bank account.

honor a check

Implies that the check is valid and will be paid.

clear a check

Highlights the process of a check being approved by the bank.

validate a check

Emphasizes verifying the authenticity of the check.

approve a check

Highlights the authorization of the check.

endorse a check

Refers to the act of signing the back of a check to transfer it to someone else.

FAQs

How can I politely ask if a business "accepts a check"?

You can ask, "Do you "take checks" here?" or "Is it possible to pay with a check?"

What are the alternatives to "accepting a check" as payment?

Alternatives include accepting cash, credit cards, debit cards, or electronic transfers. You can also "take money orders" or "cashier's checks".

Is it still common to "accept a check" in today's business environment?

While electronic payments are increasingly popular, many businesses still "accept a check", especially for larger transactions or from established customers. However, it's becoming less frequent.

What are the risks associated with "accepting a check"?

The primary risk is that the check may bounce due to insufficient funds or fraud. Businesses can mitigate this risk by verifying the check or using check guarantee services.