check around

USAGE SUMMARY

"check around" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone should look around for something or investigate a situation further. For example, "I couldn't find the remote controls, so I asked my sister to check around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Check around," he said.

The New York Times

I'll try to check around with some of my contacts in the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can use it to check around, or under, your car from a safe distance.

Forbes

But check around your local thrift stores and on eBay.

Huffington Post

Make sure you check around to see whether the deal is the best available.

Los Angeles Times

Check around, ask the manager.

WikiHow

Lastly, check around for papers about the house.

WikiHow

Check around and make sure you have taken everything.

WikiHow

Check around and see what you can find out.

WikiHow

Check around in the area where you are planning to hold the event.

WikiHow

Check around and find their proper price and sell them a little higher.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check around" to advise comparing different options, make sure to specify what aspect should be checked (e.g., prices, reviews, availability).

Common error

Avoid using "check around" when a more specific term like "research", "investigate", or "survey" would better describe the type of search being performed. "Check around" is best for informal or casual exploration.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "check around" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating an action of searching or investigating within a particular area or context. Ludwig examples show its usage in scenarios like finding items, comparing prices, and generally exploring options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

28%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check around" is a common and generally accepted phrasal verb that suggests an informal process of searching or investigating. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it is most appropriate in informal contexts and should be replaced with more precise terms in formal writing. When advising someone to "check around", ensure clarity about what they should be looking for. The usage examples highlight its common use in Wiki and News & Media, reflecting its informal and practical nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scout around

Suggests a search for a particular thing, by moving about looking in different places.

look into

Implies a careful examination or investigation of a problem or situation.

search

A broad term for trying to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly.

poke around

Implies a casual and often nosy search.

find out

Focuses on discovering or learning something, often through investigation or inquiry.

explore

Suggests a more thorough and detailed examination of a place or subject.

ask about

Implies gathering information by questioning others, rather than visually inspecting.

investigate

Broader term for conducting a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. It loses the sense of casual searching.

shop around

Specifically used for comparing prices or options before making a purchase. More restrictive in scope.

do some research

Indicates more structured approach to find information.

FAQs

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

You can use "check around" to suggest looking for something nearby, like "I'll check around the house for your keys". It can also mean comparing options, such as "Check around for the best deals on flights".

What is a similar phrase to "check around"?

Similar phrases include "look into", "investigate", or "shop around", depending on the context.

Is "check around" formal or informal?

"Check around" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "investigate", "examine", or "research".

When should I use "shop around" instead of "check around"?

Use "shop around" when you are specifically comparing prices or options before making a purchase. "Check around" is more general and can apply to various types of searches.