check if applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check if applicable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want someone to determine if a certain condition or option is relevant to their situation. For example, "Please fill out the form and check if applicable." Alternative expressions include "mark if relevant" and "indicate if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Academia

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You will not be eligible to receive a cash advance/refund check (if applicable).

Harvard University

Next, come to the Orientation Resource Fair on August 29, 2019, to receive your ID card and your first stipend check, if applicable (see the Financial Aid FAQ for more information).

Harvard University

Pass a background check, if applicable.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Stop smoking, if applicable.

WikiHow

If there are no available guns left, you can either check the other area (if applicable) or you can ask customer service.

WikiHow

Clusters of likely ortholog genes were then checked for consistency and, if applicable, split into separate clusters.

BMC Genomics

Receive confirmation of delivery (if applicable).

WikiHow

After completion, the questionnaire was checked for unrecorded items, and if applicable, subjects were requested to complete the form.

Clinical Oral Investigations

Use the spell checker on your computer to check the spellings of the words (if applicable).

WikiHow

But only let your child continue to use it as long as behavior, grades and chores (if applicable) are in check.

WikiHow

In addition, we recommend that users check the actual length of the sample if applicable.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase in parentheses after a requirement to keep the main instruction concise.

Common error

Avoid using 'check if applicable' when the item is mandatory for all users; this leads to skipped fields in important documentation. Also, ensure you are not using 'check' to mean 'investigate' if you actually mean 'mark a box'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check if applicable" functions primarily as a directive imperative. It combines a transitive verb with a conditional subordinate clause to create an instruction that is only active under certain circumstances. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to streamline user experience in complex procedures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki & General Instructions

55%

Academia & Research

20%

Science & Medicine

15%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check if applicable" is a highly versatile and correct phrase used to manage conditional tasks. Ludwig AI confirms it is appropriate across various registers, from academic registration forms at Harvard University to technical guides in Science Magazine. Its primary strength lies in its ability to clarify that an action is required only when specific criteria are met, making it an essential tool for efficient communication in forms, manuals and checklists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mark if relevant

Uses 'mark' which often implies a physical or digital action on a document.

indicate if necessary

More formal and suggests providing information only when a specific need arises.

select if appropriate

Common in digital interfaces or multiple-choice contexts.

tick where applicable

A British English variant often used in form-filling instructions.

verify if relevant

Adds a layer of confirmation or checking for truth/accuracy.

complete as needed

Broader instruction that covers entire sections rather than specific items.

cross out if not applicable

The inverse instruction, common in traditional paper forms.

confirm applicability

Highly formal, often used in legal or compliance documentation.

evaluate suitability

Suggests a deeper level of qualitative assessment.

as required

A concise adverbial phrase that conveys the same conditional necessity.

FAQs

How to use "check if applicable" in a sentence?

You can use it as a standalone instruction or within a larger sentence, such as: "Please review the list of secondary expenses and "check if applicable" to your project."

What can I say instead of "check if applicable"?

Depending on your tone, you could use "mark if relevant", "indicate if necessary" or the British variant "tick where applicable".

Which is correct, "check if applicable" or "check where applicable"?

Both are grammatically correct. ""check if applicable"" focuses on the condition, while "check where applicable" focuses on the location within the document.

Is "check if applicable" formal enough for business?

Yes, it is widely used in business and academic contexts. For extremely formal documents, you might prefer "verify applicability" or "provide information if appropriate".