check over

USAGE SUMMARY

'check over' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean to take a thorough look at something to make sure it is correct. For example, "I'm going to check over my essay one more time before I submit it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They looked over shoulders and told students to "check over that one again".

Huffington Post

When you are finished, check over at least 5 times.

WikiHow

For example, you might hear something along the lines of "Let me check over by those barrels".

WikiHow

Check over the tube to see where the hole is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Once you're happy, make sure you check over your grammar and spelling with a trusted friend".

The Guardian

Check over the salmon for pin bones, removing any you come across.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She looked her check over and found she had signed it: "Love, Ruthie".

The New Yorker

At midday, he called me again: Had I taken the check over yet?

The New Yorker

Check over and under the leaves for mottling, spots, fungal like appearances or lurking creatures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finding it hard to turn to check over your shoulder when you are backing up or changing lanes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A pairwise comparison between lists of genes was performed to check over-represented terms according to various criteria, for ΨEs, and for DEs generally.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check over", specify what you are checking. For instance, instead of saying "Check over it", specify "Check over the document".

Common error

Avoid using "check over" for very simple or quick tasks. Instead of saying "Check over this email I sent", opt for "Take a quick look at this email I sent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check over" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "check" with the particle "over" to create a distinct meaning. According to Ludwig, it means to read and look for errors. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts like reviewing documents or inspecting items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "check over" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a thorough review or inspection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and defines it as reading and looking for errors. It is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for various audiences. While "check over" is widely applicable, it's important to avoid overuse in simple tasks and specify the object being checked for clarity. Alternatives like "review", "inspect", and "examine" can provide nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go over

This alternative is very similar but slightly less common than "check over".

look over

This alternative is very similar and interchangeable, focusing on a visual examination.

review

This alternative is a shorter, more general term for examining something.

inspect

This alternative implies a more formal and detailed examination.

examine

This alternative is a formal term for looking at something closely.

go through

This alternative suggests a sequential review of items or steps.

look through

This alternative implies browsing or skimming to find something specific.

verify

This alternative specifically focuses on confirming the accuracy or truth of something.

scrutinize

This alternative means to examine critically and carefully.

assess

This alternative implies evaluating the quality or importance of something.

FAQs

How to use "check over" in a sentence?

You can use "check over" when you want to thoroughly inspect or review something. For example, "I need to "check over" my essay before submitting it".

What can I say instead of "check over"?

You can use alternatives like "review", "inspect", or "examine" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "check over again"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, saying "check over again" can be redundant. "Check over" already implies a thorough review, so simply saying ""check over"" is usually sufficient. If you need to emphasize repeated checking, consider rephrasing to "double-check" or "review multiple times".

What's the difference between "check over" and "look over"?

"Check over" implies a more thorough and careful review, potentially involving verification. "Look over" often suggests a quicker, more superficial examination.