check references

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'check references' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to researching an individual's professional or personal credentials. For example, "Before offering him the job, we always like to check references to ensure the person is qualified and reputable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Always check references.

The Washington Post

I also check references myself.

The New York Times

· Check references left by other travellers.

The Guardian - Travel

Some are reputable; you can check references.

The New York Times

This means you must check references.

The New York Times

LOOK AT THE RECORD -- Check references from lawn care companies.

The New York Times

We always recommend that people ask for and check references.

The New York Times

And why it's silly not to check references.

The New York Times

"Remember that many organisations check references," Yeung warns.

The Guardian - Money

The CEO didn't look at a résumé or check references.

Harvard Business Review

Some boards actually check references, especially on the Upper East Side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check references" in hiring contexts, specify the type of references you need (professional, personal) to guide the candidate.

Common error

Don't solely depend on the references provided by the candidate. Seek out additional contacts or use professional background check services to gain a more comprehensive view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check references" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a directive or instruction. It indicates the action of verifying information provided by an individual by contacting the listed references. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check references" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase, according to Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to direct the verification of information, especially in professional and business contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to tailor the approach to the context, ensuring you're thorough and not solely relying on provided references. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for a range of registers, from formal to more neutral settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verify credentials

Emphasizes the act of confirming the authenticity of someone's qualifications.

validate qualifications

Similar to verify credentials, but focuses on the process of confirming skills and abilities.

investigate backgrounds

Focuses on examining someone's past to find potential issues.

run background checks

Implies a formal process of looking into someone's history.

confirm past employment

Specifically targets verifying someone's work history.

follow up on leads

Highlights the process of pursuing information from potential sources.

do due diligence

Suggests a thorough investigation before making a decision.

assess trustworthiness

Shifts the focus to evaluating someone's reliability and honesty.

scrutinize applications

Implies a detailed examination of formal application documents.

evaluate recommendations

Focuses on assessing the value and credibility of provided recommendations.

FAQs

How do I use "check references" in a sentence?

You can use "check references" in sentences like: "We need to "check references" before extending a job offer", or "It's important to "check references" to ensure the contractor is reliable".

What's the difference between "check references" and "verify credentials"?

"Check references" generally refers to contacting individuals listed by a candidate, while "verify credentials" can involve confirming educational qualifications or licenses with issuing institutions.

What are some alternatives to "check references"?

Alternatives include "validate qualifications", "run background checks", or "confirm past employment", depending on the specific context.

Why is it important to "check references"?

"Check references" helps to validate the information provided by a candidate, assess their past performance, and identify potential red flags before making a hiring or contracting decision.