check on

USAGE SUMMARY

"check on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean to take a look at something or to find out how something is progressing or going. For example, "I will check on the progress of the repair work tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Check on tailgate area.

The New Yorker

Let's check on teletext".

The New York Times

Check on her.

The New York Times

I should check on that".

The New York Times - Style

"Check on my internal state.

The Guardian - Tech

"I need to check on some things.

The New Yorker

Check on the way they eat.

The New York Times - Sports

A check on food stores was made.

The New Yorker

Will check on meetings".

BBC

Check on the vendor.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

* Check on-time records.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check on" when you want to emphasize a quick visit or monitoring action to ensure everything is okay, rather than a full investigation. For example, "I'll check on the children before I go to bed."

Common error

Avoid using "check on" when a more thorough examination or investigation is required. "Checking on" something implies a brief assessment, not an exhaustive analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "check on" functions as a transitive verb requiring an object, indicating an action performed on someone or something. It suggests a brief assessment, visit, or monitoring, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "check on" is a versatile and frequently used term that suggests a quick assessment or monitoring of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral to informal, you may opt for more formal alternatives like "monitor" or "inspect" in professional or academic settings. Remember to use "check on" when you want to imply a brief visit or monitoring action, rather than a thorough investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep an eye on

This alternative implies watching someone or something carefully.

look in on

This alternative means to visit someone briefly to see if they are alright.

monitor

This alternative implies a continuous observation over a period of time.

keep tabs on

This alternative suggests keeping a close watch, often discreetly.

observe

This implies a more formal or scientific type of watching.

inspect

This alternative suggests a detailed examination.

make certain of

This alternative focuses on ensuring something is true or has happened.

supervise

This alternative suggests overseeing an activity or person, usually with authority.

assess

This alternative implies evaluating the state or condition of something.

survey

This alternative means to look at or examine an area or object thoroughly.

FAQs

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

You can use "check on" to indicate a brief inspection or monitoring of someone or something. For example, "Can you "check on" the oven to see if the cake is burning?"

What's a more formal alternative to "check on"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "monitor", "inspect", or "supervise" instead of "check on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "check on" or "check in on"?

"Check on" and "check in on" are both correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Check on" implies a brief visit or observation, while "check in on" suggests a more personal visit to inquire about someone's well-being.

What can I say instead of "check on"?

You can use alternatives like "look in on", "keep an eye on", or "monitor" depending on the context.