check out

USAGE SUMMARY

"check out" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to say that you are leaving a place or that you are looking at something. For example, "I'm checking out of the hotel this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Check out Monteverdi.

Independent

Check out Fiji.

Forbes

Check out security.

WikiHow

Check out his tattoos!

WikiHow

Check out your work.

WikiHow

'Check out magazines.

WikiHow

Check out the store.

WikiHow

Check out teeth bleaching.

WikiHow

Check out her heartbeat.

WikiHow

Check out online.

WikiHow

Check out YouTube.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check out" to mean 'examine', ensure the context makes it clear you're not referring to leaving a place or settling a bill. For example, "Check out the new features on our website" is less ambiguous than simply saying, "Check it out."

Common error

While versatile, "check out" can sound informal in professional contexts. Opt for stronger verbs like "investigate", "examine", or "review" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a correct and usable part of a sentence and can indicate either leaving a place or examining something. Its versatility is evident in the examples provided, demonstrating its various uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Check out" is a highly versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including leaving a place, examining something, or borrowing an item. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in informal contexts. While extremely common across various sources, its informality suggests that more precise alternatives like "investigate" or "examine" might be preferable in formal writing. Understanding its different senses and levels of formality ensures clear and appropriate communication. The most frequent usage contexts are Wiki and News & Media, implying broad applicability in general and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look into

Suggests starting an investigation or inquiry.

give it a look

Informal way of suggesting a brief examination.

examine

Similar to "check out" but suggests a closer, more detailed look.

inspect

Suggests a careful, critical examination.

investigate

Implies a more thorough and formal examination than "check out".

verify

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

explore

Implies a broader, more open-ended investigation.

leave

Focuses on the act of departing from a location.

settle the bill

Specifically refers to paying for services or goods.

pay the tab

An informal way to describe paying a bill.

FAQs

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

"Check out" has multiple meanings. It can mean to leave a place (e.g., "I need to "check out" of the hotel"), to examine something (e.g., "Check out my new car!"), or to borrow something (e.g., "I "checked out" a book from the library").

What are some alternatives to "check out" when meaning 'to examine'?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "investigate", "examine", "review", or "inspect".

Is it appropriate to use "check out" in formal writing?

While "check out" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "investigate" or "verify" for greater clarity and professionalism.

What's the difference between ""check out"" and "look at"?

"Check out" often implies a more active or intentional examination than "look at". For example, "Check out the details" suggests a closer inspection, while "look at" is a more general observation.