check on it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check on it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to inquire about the status or condition of something. Example: "I'll check on it later to see if there have been any updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then, when he came to check on it one day, he made a heart-wrenching discovery.

Vice

Don't lift the lid to check on it until its done.

WikiHow

Check on it periodically, to make sure its baking evenly and consistently, turning it around if necessary.

WikiHow

No one goes to an appraiser to check on it".

Huffington Post

He said he would check on it.

The New York Times

Bernardin promised to check on it.

The New Yorker

No. Will it put a check on it?

The New York Times

Although there are plenty of battery-monitor widgets out there, you can check on it yourself.

The New York Times

Instead, her father and ex-husband insisted on going alone to check on it.

The New York Times

If you have your growing space close at hand, you can check on it every day.

Independent

During the day we check on it, periodically, like a sleeping baby.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check on it" to ensure something is progressing as expected or to verify its current condition. For example, "Check on it after an hour to see if it's done."

Common error

In formal writing, avoid relying solely on "check on it". Instead, opt for alternatives like "monitor", "inspect", or "verify" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "check on it" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a verb construction that involves a verb and a preposition. It is used to inquire about the state of something or someone. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

43%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "check on it" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to inquire about the status or condition of something. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It is commonly found in news articles and how-to guides. While versatile, it can be substituted with more formal alternatives like "monitor", "inspect", or "verify" in professional contexts. The phrase is most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Wiki" articles. The top authoritative sources using this phrase include "The New York Times", "WikiHow", "Huffington Post", "Vice", and "The New Yorker".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look into it

Focuses more on investigating or examining something in detail rather than a simple status check.

monitor it

Emphasizes continuous or regular observation over time.

keep an eye on it

Suggests a watchful approach, often implying potential issues or needing attention.

inspect it

Implies a detailed and formal examination, often for quality or safety.

follow up on it

Indicates a subsequent action to review progress or ensure completion.

verify its status

Focuses on confirming the current state or condition.

assess its condition

Suggests evaluating the state of something, often to determine if repairs or adjustments are needed.

take a look at it

A more casual way of saying "check on it", implying a brief inspection.

keep tabs on it

Similar to "keep an eye on it", but can also imply tracking or record-keeping.

stay informed about it

Focuses on receiving updates and information rather than direct inspection.

FAQs

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

You can use "check on it" to inquire about the status or condition of something. For example: "I'll check on it later to see if there have been any updates."

What can I say instead of "check on it"?

You can use alternatives like "look into it", "monitor it", or "follow up on it" depending on the context.

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

"Check it" is a shortened, less specific version. "Check on it" implies monitoring or verifying something's status over time, while "check it" is a more general request to examine something.

Is "check on it" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "check on it" may sound informal in some professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "monitor it" or "inspect it" for a more formal tone.