check for

USAGE SUMMARY

"check for" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English, and is used when indicating that one should take an action to ensure that something is present or true.
For example, "Please check for any outstanding orders before submitting the final invoice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Check for soap suds.

The New York Times

Check for other problems.

WikiHow

Check for evenness.

WikiHow

Check for price.

WikiHow

Check for dropsy.

WikiHow

Check for duplicate reviews.

WikiHow

Check for the testicles.

WikiHow

Check for surface damage.

WikiHow

Check for hearing loss.

WikiHow

Check for used models.

WikiHow

Check for bright colors.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "check for" to clearly direct the reader's attention to specific details or conditions that need verification.

Common error

While "check for" is versatile, overuse in formal contexts can sound informal. Consider using more precise alternatives like "verify" or "inspect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check for" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase, used to direct someone to examine or verify the presence of something. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

71%

News & Media

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check for" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that functions as an imperative verb phrase. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and serves the purpose of instructing or advising someone to inspect or verify something. Its register is generally neutral to informal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations. While "check for" is versatile, remember to consider the context and audience to determine if a more precise or formal alternative would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verify the presence of

This alternative emphasizes the act of confirming the existence of something, making it more formal than "check for".

make sure to find

This alternative phrase carries an imperative tone, stressing the importance of finding something.

be on the lookout for

Similar to "look out for", this suggests a state of alert and active searching.

look out for

This option suggests being vigilant and watchful, implying a sense of anticipation or potential danger, a nuance not always present in "check for".

scan for

This alternative is suitable when the action involves quick and systematic searching.

ensure you see

This alternative puts emphasis on visually confirming something.

examine for

This emphasizes the careful and methodical nature of the inspection, different from a quick "check for".

inspect to find

This phrase suggests a more thorough and detailed examination than the general "check for".

investigate to discover

Suggests a more in-depth and thorough exploration, going beyond a simple check.

ascertain whether

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes confirming or determining something with certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "check for" to instruct someone to verify the presence of something, as in "Check for any error messages before submitting the form."

What can I say instead of "check for"?

You can use alternatives like "verify the presence of", "look out for", or "inspect to find" depending on the context.

Is "check for" formal or informal?

"Check for" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "ascertain whether" or "verify".

What's the difference between "check for" and "look for"?

"Check for" implies verifying the presence of something specific, while "look for" suggests searching for something that may or may not be present. For example, "check for damage" versus "look for a solution".