check all the boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

"check all the boxes" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should go through a list and verify if all items have been completed. For example, "Please check all the boxes to make sure you have completed all of the required tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Oats check all the boxes.

The Washington Post

"We have to check all the boxes to see what is lost," he said, "and that will take time, a lot of time".

The New York Times

Did you check all the boxes on the five-step sales process?

Forbes

It's easy to feel apprehensive about not being able to check all the boxes when you've been out of the market for a season.

Forbes

Rather, I think both feel engineered to hit all the right notes, to check all the boxes for "prestige," yet ultimately end up being rather shallow when all is said and done.

Forbes

And thanks to the incredibly long gaps between product releases, vendors are further motivated to cram as many features as possible into each version, hoping to check all the boxes on RFPs for the next few years.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

To transfer all the songs in your iTunes library over to your Android, select "Music" from the General tab and check all the box, then click on the "Sync" button located in the lower right corner of doubleTwist.

WikiHow

If you want all your iTunes songs synced with your Android, select "Music" from the General tab and check all the box then click on "Sync" in the lower right corner of doubleTwist.

WikiHow

The talent checked all the boxes.

The Washington Post

"Katie checks all the boxes for a lot of people," said Bray's mayor, Mick Glynn.

The New York Times - Sports

When it comes to fossil fuel advocacy and climate inaction, Pruitt checks all the boxes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check all the boxes" when you want to convey that all necessary requirements, criteria, or steps have been fulfilled or met. For instance, in project management, ensure all tasks are completed to "check all the boxes" for project success.

Common error

While "check all the boxes" is common, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "meet all requirements" or "fulfill all criteria" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check all the boxes" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's primarily used to signify the completion or satisfaction of a set of requirements, criteria, or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "check all the boxes" is a widely used idiomatic phrase that signifies the fulfillment of all necessary requirements or criteria. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings to maintain a polished tone. The phrase effectively conveys that all expected conditions have been met, making it a useful expression in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet all requirements

Focuses on satisfying specific needs or conditions.

fulfill all criteria

Emphasizes satisfying a set of standards or benchmarks.

tick all the criteria

Uses "tick" instead of "check", implying a confirmation.

satisfy all conditions

Highlights the need to comply with specified terms.

cover all bases

Suggests addressing all potential aspects to ensure thoroughness.

meet every expectation

Focuses on fulfilling what is anticipated or hoped for.

comply with every guideline

Stresses adherence to established rules or recommendations.

satisfy every specification

Highlights detailed requirements that must be met.

fulfill all prerequisites

Emphasizes meeting necessary preconditions.

leave no stone unturned

Suggests a comprehensive and thorough approach.

FAQs

How can I use "check all the boxes" in a sentence?

You can use "check all the boxes" to indicate that all requirements or criteria have been met. For example, "This candidate "meets all requirements" and effectively "checks all the boxes" for the position."

What does "check all the boxes" mean?

The phrase "check all the boxes" means to satisfy all the necessary conditions or requirements. It implies that something or someone fulfills all the expected criteria.

Which is a more formal way to say "check all the boxes"?

More formal alternatives to "check all the boxes" include "meet all requirements", "fulfill all criteria", or "satisfy all conditions". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

When is it appropriate to use the expression "check all the boxes"?

The expression "check all the boxes" is appropriate in contexts where you want to convey that something or someone meets all the necessary criteria or requirements. It is suitable for both informal and moderately formal situations.