check on him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check on him" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to ask someone to look in on someone else to make sure they're okay. For example: I'm worried about my brother, could you please check on him while I'm away?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His Mother enters to check on him.

The Guardian - Music

"They said via email they would check on him.

Independent

I'd like to check on him, that's all".

The Guardian - Books

"We never thought to check on him," she said.

The New York Times

I was out and called to check on him.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeter said he would play, but Girardi said he would have to check on him first.

The New York Times - Sports

When Nemoto came around to check on him, his paper was blank.

The New Yorker

As Tony lies on the floor, Carmela leans down to check on him.

The New Yorker

You would check on him because he may be keeled over in the bar".

The New York Times

At 7 30 the next morning I went upstairs to check on him.

The New York Times

We go and check on him, but we have no food to carry to him".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check on him" when you want to express concern for someone's well-being and ensure they are safe or healthy. It's often used when someone is sick, upset, or in a potentially vulnerable situation.

Common error

Avoid using "check on him" interchangeably with phrases like "reprimand him" or "place a check on him", which have completely different meanings. "Check on him" implies ensuring his well-being, not scolding or controlling him.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check on him" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the action of making sure someone is safe, healthy, or generally doing well. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "check on him" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for ensuring someone's well-being. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. It sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While neutrally toned, it effectively communicates concern and support. When writing, remember that it's often used when someone might be vulnerable, avoid confusion with directives or evaluations, and consider alternatives like "make sure he's okay" for casual situations. The high frequency and source quality underscore its reliability as a standard English phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure he's okay

Highlights confirming his well-being.

look after him

Emphasizes care and responsibility.

see how he is doing

Focuses on assessing his current state.

keep an eye on him

Suggests continuous monitoring or observation.

give him a call

Implies contacting him by phone to see how he is.

follow up with him

Implies a subsequent contact or inquiry.

touch base with him

A more informal way to suggest a brief contact.

enquire about his welfare

A more formal and considerate way to ask after someone.

pay him a visit

Specifically refers to a physical visit to assess his state.

assess his condition

Focuses on a professional or medical evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "check on him" when you want to ask someone to make sure another person is safe or well. For example, "I'm worried about my grandfather, could you please "check on him" later today?"

What is a more formal way to say "check on him"?

A more formal way to say "check on him" would be to "enquire about his welfare" or "assess his condition", depending on the context. These options are suitable for professional or serious situations.

What can I say instead of "check on him" in a casual context?

In a casual context, you can use phrases like "see how he is doing" or "make sure he's okay" as alternatives to "check on him".

When should I use "check on him" instead of "check him out"?

Use "check on him" when you are concerned about someone's well-being. Use "check him out" when you want to evaluate or examine someone or something, as in "check him out, he's a talented musician."