by check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by check" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate the method of payment for a transaction. Here is an example: I will be paying for the furniture by check, as I do not have cash on hand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deposits are returned by check.

The New York Times

I was paid by check.

The New York Times

He paid the laboratory bill by check.

The New Yorker

Later, millionaires paid by check & bought anything.

The New Yorker

Tickets, $100, are available only in advance, by check payable to the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.

The New York Times

For needs beyond that, payments can be made by check or credit card.

The New York Times

For security and tax-record purposes, it's best to pay by check.

The New York Times

If you're paying by check, don't carry more checks than you will need.

The New York Times

Fees per day: $5 to $20; registration required, in person and by check.

The New York Times

More than 37percentt of bills are paid by check; 35 percent are paid online.

The New York Times - Tech

(Last year, 46percentt of bills were paid by check, and 25percentt online).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a payment method, use "by check" to clearly indicate that a check should be used instead of cash, card, or electronic transfer.

Common error

Avoid using "by check" when referring to security measures. Instead, use phrases like "verified by" or "subject to inspection" to describe security protocols.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by check" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the method of payment or verification. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, as illustrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by check" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify a method of payment or verification. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on numerous real-world examples, shows that it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase and serves to clarify the means by which a transaction is conducted. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal business communications to informal instructions. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. Remember to use it when specifying payment methods and avoid confusion with security-related checks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via cheque

Replaces "check" with its British English equivalent, maintaining the payment method but altering regional dialect.

with a check

Replaces "by" with "with", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

using a check

Rephrases the prepositional phrase as a gerund phrase, emphasizing the action of using a check.

through check payment

Emphasizes the type of payment rather than the direct action.

paying via check

Turns the phrase into a gerund phrase, focusing on the action of paying.

by means of a check

Introduces a more formal and elaborate phrasing to indicate the method of payment.

using bank check

Specifies the type of check being used, adding a detail to the method.

check as payment

Inverts the structure, presenting the check as the form of payment.

through bank transfer

Offers a different payment method but keeps the concept of using a bank.

by wire transfer

Indicates another electronic payment method as an alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "by check" to indicate a method of payment. For example, "The payment was made "by check" rather than cash."

What are some alternatives to saying "by check"?

Alternatives include "via cheque" (British English), "using a check", or "with a check", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pay by check"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Pay "by check"" is a common and accepted way to specify the method of payment.

What's the difference between "by check" and "with a check"?

While both phrases are similar, ""by check"" typically emphasizes the method of payment, whereas "with a check" can emphasize the physical check itself. The distinction is often subtle and context-dependent.