check for leaks

USAGE SUMMARY

"check for leaks" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use the phrase in the following sentence: "We need to check for leaks in the roof before the next rainstorm arrives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both pump and car then begin a digitally choreographed check for leaks.

The Economist

They were destroyed, and two workers who had been sent underground to check for leaks were killed.

The New Yorker

Today, workers raised the temperature of the nuclear reactor in a routine test to check for leaks or other problems.

The New York Times

The eight-inch pipe broke again during a test that involved pumping water into it at high pressure to check for leaks.

The New York Times

One difficulty at the Ohio plant, Davis-Besse, was that management delayed taking the time to remove thermal insulation around the vessel lid to check for leaks.

The New York Times

Fill the upper chamber to above sample wells and check for leaks.

Biophysics Reports

If you smell natural gas, contact maintenance to check for leaks.

Duke University

After the reaction vessels were assembled into the furnaces, compressed argon was used to check for leaks in the line.

Geochemical Transactions

Westinghouse has built a robotic spider that crawls into a reactor's steam generators, where humans prefer not to go, to check for leaks.

Forbes

Insulate water pipes and check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, and couplings.

Huffington Post

At present, US law doesn't require oil and gas drillers to check for leaks.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check for leaks" in technical writing, be specific about what substance might be leaking (e.g., "check for water leaks" or "check for gas leaks") and the method of checking (e.g., "check for leaks using a pressure test").

Common error

Avoid using "check for leaks" without specifying the system or component being examined. For instance, instead of saying "check for leaks", specify "check the plumbing for leaks" or "check the tire for leaks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check for leaks" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase, commonly used to instruct or advise someone to perform an action. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

Science

26%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check for leaks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as an imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to advise or instruct someone to inspect for potential leaks across a multitude of contexts, from household maintenance to complex industrial systems. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences, though specific situations might benefit from a more formal tone. Given its frequency across Wiki, Science, and News & Media sources, it is evident that the phrase is both versatile and practical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspect for breaches

Focuses on a more formal or thorough examination to find any kind of opening or break.

examine for seepage

Highlights the slow escape of a liquid through a porous material or small hole.

verify for tightness

Concentrates on confirming that something is sealed and won't allow leakage.

look for vulnerabilities

Shifts the focus to identifying weaknesses or points of entry that could lead to a leak.

assess for escape

Emphasizes evaluating the potential for something to get out or be released.

search for imperfections

Broadens the scope to finding any flaws that could lead to future leakage.

monitor for discharges

Focuses on observing and tracking any outflow or release of substances.

scan for ruptures

Specifically targets the detection of bursts or sudden breaks.

investigate for loss

Implies a deeper inquiry to understand where something is escaping or being lost.

detect potential failures

General approach to find possible problems that could allow leaks.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "check for leaks" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "inspect for breaches", "verify for tightness", or "examine for seepage" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "check for leaks" and "check for leaking"?

"Check for leaks" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing, focusing on the general presence of leaks. "Check for leaking" emphasizes the ongoing action of something leaking, though it's less frequently used. The first one is referring to the leak as a noun while the second one as a verb.

When is it appropriate to use "check for leaks"?

It's appropriate to use "check for leaks" in any situation where you need to verify the integrity of a system or container that should be sealed, such as plumbing, gas lines, or tires.

What tools can I use to "check for leaks"?

The tools used to "check for leaks" depend on the context. For example, you might use a soap solution to "check for gas leaks", a pressure gauge to "check for pressure leaks", or visual inspection to "check for water leaks".