check documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of reviewing or verifying documents for accuracy or completeness. Example: "Before submitting the report, please check documents to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some hide in toilet cubicles as the police check documents.

The Guardian

Several rooms were full of documents, including a main room of cataloged papers, where three young Davis, Polk, employees were posted to check documents in and out.

The New York Times

Second, he would slash funding for the federal E-Verify database, an electronic system that enables employers to check documents provided by new hires against government records.

The Washington Post

'A lot of the gangs are taking advantage of low-cost airlines and the fact that they operate from smaller airports with less sophisticated security and staff who often have little time to check documents prior to boarding.

The Guardian

Grozny today is ruins, charred tree stumps and a maze of Russian block posts -- the small fortresses built of cinder blocks and sandbags where Interior Ministry troops check documents, take bribes and arbitrarily pummel those they don't like.

The New York Times - Magazine

Just outside this town, the last sizable Montenegrin settlement before the border with Serbia, a handful of policemen in dark navy blue uniforms wave down cars heading for Serbia and check documents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They don't answer questions, they keep on asking to double-check documents to run down the clock, they give narrow and unhelpful answers, and they generally act in a slippery and unsympathetic manner.

The New Yorker

(There are no bloggers among the 36 journalists thus far killed in the Iraq war). Bloggers can fact-check documents (as in the Rather case), opine, organize, talk back, leak early exit polls and publish multimedia outings of the seemingly endless supply of closeted gay Republican officials.

The New York Times - Arts

Just beyond, an olive-clad soldier was checking documents.

The Guardian

Turnitin is an Internet-based plagiarism-prevention service which checks documents for unoriginal content.

Cornell University

They are looking for any irregularity, like an inspector who waves a truck through without checking documents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, use "check documents" to clearly indicate the step of verifying information.

Common error

In casual conversation, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "look over the documents" or "go through the documents" to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check documents" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "check" acts as the verb and "documents" as the direct object. It signifies the action of examining documents, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

8.3%

Wiki

4.2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check documents" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of examining documents for verification or accuracy. According to Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use in contexts spanning News & Media, Formal & Business, and even Science, demonstrating its broad applicability. While appropriate for professional and neutral settings, writers should consider more informal alternatives like "look over documents" in casual conversation. When aiming for a formal tone, "verify documents" may be a better choice. In summary, this phrase is a versatile tool for clear communication, especially when instructions or verifications are involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verify documents

Replaces "check" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of confirming accuracy.

review documents

Focuses on a more thorough examination of the documents.

inspect documents

Suggests a detailed and critical examination of the documents.

examine documents

Similar to "inspect", but can imply a less formal or official context.

audit documents

Implies a systematic review for financial or compliance purposes.

validate documents

Highlights the process of ensuring the documents are legally sound and accurate.

scrutinize documents

Emphasizes a very careful and critical examination.

go through documents

A more informal way of saying "review documents".

assess documents

Focuses on evaluating the content and quality of the documents.

investigate documents

Suggests a more in-depth inquiry, potentially looking for discrepancies or fraud.

FAQs

What is a good way to use "check documents" in a sentence?

You can use "check documents" in sentences like, "The officer will "check documents" to verify your identity" or "Please "check documents" before submitting your application".

What can I say instead of "check documents"?

You can use alternatives like "verify documents", "review documents", or "inspect documents" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "check documents"?

It's appropriate to use "check documents" in formal and professional settings, when giving instructions, or when emphasizing the importance of verifying information. In more informal settings, consider using a more casual alternative.

Is there a difference between "check documents" and "verify documents"?

While both phrases are similar, ""verify documents"" implies a more thorough and official confirmation of accuracy, whereas ""check documents"" can be a general review for any purpose.