check for signs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check for signs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to look for indications or evidence of something, often in a diagnostic or observational context. Example: "Before starting the experiment, make sure to check for signs of contamination in the samples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You then check for signs of breathing for three minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then the rescuer should check for signs of breathing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similarly, women should pause in conversation to check for signs of life in the man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then she used her stethoscope to check for signs of pneumonia.

The New Yorker

Police officers can conduct extra drive-bys or home visits to check for signs of unusual behavior.

The New Yorker

The test is generally used to check for signs of nerve damage associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes or low-back pain.

The New York Times

Instead, people assisting victims were urged to check for signs of circulation like breathing, coughing or movement when deciding whether to perform CPR.

The New York Times

Check for signs if catheter is dislodged.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Check for signs of a small number of cancers and tell your doctor if you feel depressed.

Forbes

Inspectors in abattoirs used to be able to cut open pig carcasses to check for signs of disease.

BBC

He will also examine your mouth to check for signs of oral cancer, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, tartar and plaque.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "check for signs" to direct the reader's attention to observable indicators of a condition or state. For example, "After applying the fertilizer, check for signs of new growth."

Common error

Ensure the subject of what you are checking for signs is clear to avoid confusion. For instance, instead of saying "Check for signs," specify "Check for signs of infection" or "Check for signs of wear and tear."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check for signs" functions primarily as an instructional imperative. It directs the audience to actively seek out specific indicators or evidence, as demonstrated by Ludwig, where the phrase appears in contexts ranging from medical checks to safety inspections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

29%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check for signs" is a common and grammatically correct instructional imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general instructions, to direct attention to observable indicators. While predominantly neutral in tone, the specific context can subtly shift its meaning. Key alternatives include "look for indicators" and "monitor for symptoms". It's important to clarify the subject of the search. This phrase serves as a prompt for vigilance and early detection, enhancing safety and awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for indicators

Uses "indicators" instead of "signs", implying a more technical or diagnostic approach.

watch for signals

Replaces "signs" with "signals", suggesting a more active or communicative aspect.

monitor for symptoms

Employs "symptoms", which is commonly used in medical or health-related contexts.

be alert for indications

Uses "be alert" to emphasize vigilance and replaces "signs" with the slightly more formal "indications".

detect any evidence

Focuses on uncovering "evidence", implying a need for proof or confirmation.

scan for traces

Employs "scan" to suggest a systematic search and "traces" to refer to minimal indications.

observe for clues

Replaces "check" with "observe" and "signs" with "clues", suitable for investigative contexts.

identify any markers

Uses "identify" to highlight recognition and replaces "signs" with the more specific "markers".

ascertain the presence of

A more formal and cautious alternative focusing on confirming the "presence of" something.

investigate for manifestations

Replaces "check" with "investigate" and "signs" with "manifestations", which is a more scientific or thorough search.

FAQs

How do I use "check for signs" in a sentence?

Use "check for signs" to instruct someone to look for indications or evidence of something. For example, "Regularly "check for signs of damage" to prevent further issues."

What are some alternatives to "check for signs"?

You can use alternatives like "look for indicators", "watch for signals", or "monitor for symptoms", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "check for signs of" or "check signs of"?

"Check for signs of" is the more common and grammatically sound construction. Omitting "for" can sound awkward and is less frequently used.

When should I use "look for signs" instead of "check for signs"?

"Look for signs" and "check for signs" are largely interchangeable. However, "look for signs" might be preferred in more general contexts, while "check for signs" implies a more methodical or diagnostic approach.