check something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to verify or examine a specific item or information. Example: "Please check the report for any errors." Alternative expressions include "verify something," "review something," and "inspect something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Let me check something.

The Guardian - Opinion

So we need to check something.

Yale University

I can check something off my bucket list".

The New York Times - Sports

Let me check something". I walked over to the bathroom.

The Washington Post

I rang one contributor, a well known author, to check something and got her partner.

The Guardian - Books

Can my friend use my card to check something out for me?

Stanford University

Who doesn't stop into an Apple Store every now and then just to check something out?

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Trying to fact-check something can also be counter-productive.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When we fact-check something, we enter its URL into a database.

TechCrunch

That means about $137 for every white woman per pay check -- something like $300 for every woman of color who are doubly discriminated against.

Huffington Post

As long as he can keep his petulance in check something he failed to do in Florida that is all to the benefit of Newt Inc.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the verb with a concrete direct object like 'check the figures' or 'check the source' to provide better context for the reader.

Common error

While easy to use, avoid using "check something" as a placeholder when you mean specifically to search for errors. In such cases, using a more descriptive term like "proofread something" or "cross-reference information" will make your writing much more professional and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check something" functions as a transitive verb phrase consisting of the dynamic verb check and the indefinite pronoun something acting as its direct object. According to Ludwig, it serves as a primary way to describe the act of verification or examination. In syntactic structures, it often follows modal verbs or purpose clauses (e.g., "need to check...", "in order to check...").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "check something" is a highly versatile and correct phrase that spans all major registers of English. Ludwig AI demonstrates its prevalence in high-authority sources such as The New York Times and Stanford University, proving it is safe for both professional and academic use. While it is essentially a general-purpose phrase, its effectiveness is often maximized when the broad object "something" is replaced with a specific noun to provide clarity. Whether you are pausing a conversation to verify a fact or instructing a reader to review a document, this phrase remains a foundational element of clear English communication. Use it confidently, but consider alternatives like verify something if you seek a more elevated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verify something

More formal and suggests establishing the truth or accuracy of a fact.

double-check something

Implies a second round of verification to ensure absolute accuracy.

confirm something

Focuses on establishing the certainty of a situation or statement.

review something

Suggests a more comprehensive look or study of a document or situation.

inspect something

Implies a more thorough and often physical or technical examination.

examine something

Suggests looking at something in detail to understand it better.

validate something

Professional term for proving that something is logically or legally sound.

look something up

Specifically refers to searching for information in a reference source.

audit something

Highly formal, usually referring to financial or procedural verification.

test something

Suggests an experimental approach to see if something works or is true.

FAQs

How to use "check something" in a sentence?

You can use "check something" to indicate a need for verification, such as: "I need to "check the facts" before submitting the report" or "Let me "check the schedule" to see if I am free."

What can I say instead of "check something"?

Depending on the level of formality, you might use "verify something", "inspect something" or "review something".

Which is correct, "check something" or "check for something"?

Both are correct but have different meanings. Use "check something" when the object itself is being verified (e.g., check the engine), and use "check for something" when you are looking for the presence of a specific issue (e.g., check for leaks).

Is "check something" too informal for academic writing?

It is not strictly informal, but academic sources often prefer more specific verbs like "examine something" or "validate something" to describe scholarly processes.