check off

USAGE SUMMARY

"check off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that means to mark something on a list to indicate that it has been completed or noted. Example sentence: I checked off all of my tasks for the day on my to-do list.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"You check off the division, you check off the conference.

The New York Times - Sports

Check off the "Pets Allowed" option.

The New York Times - Travel

"That's not a box I've been trying to check off".

Independent

Today, perfect children check off boxes at all levels.

The New York Times

Mr. Zucker could check off all those boxes.

The New York Times

"It's not a test you can just check off".

The New York Times - Health

"You want to be able to check off every single box before selecting a player.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not something that we decide once and then check off the list.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

•     Check off-side rear tire pressure.

The New Yorker

Check off-side rear tire pressure.

The New Yorker

I won't attempt to check-off any of these.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check off", ensure it's clear what list or set of items you are referring to. For example, "Check off the items on your grocery list as you put them in the cart."

Common error

Avoid using "check off" without a clear reference to a specific list or set of criteria. Saying "I checked it off" without context leaves the reader wondering what 'it' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "check off" primarily functions as a transitive verb, indicating the action of marking something on a list to signify its completion or verification. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, with examples showing it used in various contexts to denote finishing a task or fulfilling a requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

34%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check off" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to mark something on a list to indicate completion or verification. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, with examples spanning from news articles to how-to guides. It serves the purpose of conveying completion and is typically used in neutral to informal contexts. Alternatives include "mark off", "tick off", and "cross off". When using "check off", ensure the context is clear and avoid ambiguity by specifying the list or items being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mark off

This alternative focuses on the act of marking, similar to indicating completion on a list.

tick off

This alternative uses 'tick' instead of 'check,' maintaining the meaning of marking an item as done.

cross off

Emphasizes the action of crossing out an item to signify its completion.

strike off

Similar to 'cross off', it suggests removing an item from a list.

eliminate

Highlights the removal aspect, implying completion leads to elimination from consideration.

complete

Focuses on the state of being finished, rather than the act of marking.

finish

Implies the termination of an activity or task.

verify

Suggests confirming or validating an item, which can be part of a checking process.

validate

Similar to verify, it means confirming that something is correct or acceptable.

acknowledge

Suggests recognizing the completion or existence of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "check off" to indicate marking an item as complete on a list. For example, "I "checked off" all the tasks on my to-do list."

What are some alternatives to "check off"?

Alternatives include "mark off", "tick off", or "cross off", all of which convey a similar meaning of marking something as completed or noted.

Is it correct to say "check off of"?

While understandable, "check off" is generally preferred over "check off of". The preposition "of" is often unnecessary and can make the phrase sound less concise.

What's the difference between "check off" and "check out"?

"Check off" implies marking an item as complete, whereas "check out" has multiple meanings, including examining something or formally leaving a place. For instance, you "check off" items on a to-do list, but you "check out" a book from the library.