check for damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"check for damage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when talking about inspecting or examining something for any harm or destruction. Example: Before purchasing a used car, it is important to check for damage to ensure that you are getting a good deal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Before leaving the dock, check for damage and wear to avoid dents in your security deposit.

The New York Times - Travel

Check for damage on the plastic cover of the front bumper -- it is expensive to replace.

The New York Times

By high winds and heavy seas were still preventing crewmen from boarding to check for damage.

Independent

Some home video security systems stream a constant image of your house in case you want to check for damage.

The New York Times - Tech

The disease can be detected by a simple blood test, followed by an endoscopy to check for damage to the small intestine.

The New York Times - Health

I was surprised because when I buy a piece of furniture, I touch it, I look at it, I check for damage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Check for damaged hair.

WikiHow

The inspector will check for damages caused by water, termites, cracks in the foundation, hazardous substances and electrical and gas sources.

WikiHow

Train lines connecting Bologna with other northern cities were halted while authorities checked for damage.

Independent

Train lines connecting Bologna with other cities were halted while authorities checked for damage.

Independent

Then renters must be checked in and out, and the houses must be cleaned and checked for damage.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check for damage" in instructions, be specific about what kind of damage to look for. For example, "check for water damage" or "check for structural damage".

Common error

Don't just look for obvious damage. Subtle signs like discoloration, unusual sounds, or slight misalignments can indicate underlying problems. A comprehensive check involves paying attention to these details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check for damage" primarily functions as an imperative, often used to instruct or advise someone to inspect something for potential harm or defects. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check for damage" is a common and grammatically sound directive used across numerous contexts to instruct or advise on inspecting for harm or defects. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. The analysis reveals that its purpose is primarily to ensure safety and prevent further loss, and it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both professional and informal communication. While very similar phrases like "inspect for defects" or "assess for impairment" exist, the key is to be specific about the type of damage being sought for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inspect for defects

Replaces "damage" with a more general term for imperfections, suitable for formal contexts.

Assess for impairment

Uses a more technical term, "impairment", which is common in professional or scientific contexts.

Examine for wear and tear

Specifies the type of damage being sought, focusing on degradation over time.

Look for deterioration

Focuses on the process of decline or decay, rather than a specific instance of damage.

Investigate for flaws

Suggests a more thorough search for imperfections, implying a more formal or serious inspection.

Scrutinize for faults

Implies a very careful and critical examination, often used when quality is paramount.

Survey for impairment

Uses a broader term for damage, "impairment", also suggest a larger scale inspection.

Give it the once over

An informal way to say to check something quickly.

Perform a damage assessment

Formalizes the action into a process, typically used in professional settings.

Run a diagnostic

Suggests the usage of some diagnostic tools.

FAQs

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

You can use "check for damage" in sentences like: "Before signing the rental agreement, be sure to check for damage to avoid being charged later", or "After the storm, we need to check for damage around the house".

What's a more formal way to say "check for damage"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "inspect for defects" or "assess for impairment" depending on the context.

What should I check for when inspecting for damage after an event?

Focus on safety first, then systematically examine key areas. For a house, this means checking the foundation, roof, windows, and essential systems. For a vehicle, inspect the body, tires, and fluid levels.

Which is the correct way to say, "check for damage" or "check damages"?

"Check for damage" is generally the correct phrasing when you're looking for any kind of harm or defects. "Check damages" might be used in legal contexts when referring to monetary compensation for harm, but it is much less frequent.