check something out

USAGE SUMMARY

"check something out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a way of suggesting that someone look into a particular idea, thing, or situation more deeply. For example, "I heard about a great new restaurant nearby. Check it out sometime!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

The next time you check something out, an entry will be saved featuring a link to the item record, the author(s), and the checkout date.

University of California, Berkeley

I needed to check something out in the National Portrait Gallery, so there I was, among the videos and photographs and paintings of celebrities in its contemporary galleries, gawping at the hideous lurid dumbness of Michael Craig-Martin's illuminated portrait of Zaha Hadid and a pretentious video portrait of Duncan Goodhew.

The Guardian - Arts

Think of the length of time it takes to check something out on Snapchat, and use that as a measuring stick.

Forbes

Building-related quests merely ask you to make a permanent choice about what kind of bonus that structure will provide, and map quests usually involve explorers developing a tile or a sending a unit to check something out.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Or shopping or just checking something out.

The New York Times - Arts

You can literally unpack this thing, put it on your head and be checking something out within minutes.

TechCrunch

At any time, I can come in and play a game or check something else out for testing, and then continue running the program.

TechCrunch

But thousands of people flocked to the beach to check out something few had seen: huge hollowed out caves in the ice, worn by the waves.

Huffington Post

He walked ahead, ostensibly to check out something suspicious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When recommending something, follow "check something out" with a brief explanation of why it's worth the user's time. For example, "Check out this article; it provides key insights into the current market trends."

Common error

While versatile, "check something out" is generally informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "examine", "investigate", or "review" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check something out" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one because it requires a direct object (the "something" that is being checked out). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

35%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check something out" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that suggests examining or investigating something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, although it is generally informal and best suited for casual contexts. While it appears in various sources, it is most frequently found in news and media, as well as on wikis. For formal writing, alternatives like "examine", "investigate", or "review" are more appropriate. Remember to give context when recommending something. Overall, it's a useful phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a look at something

A more casual way to suggest a brief examination.

have a look at something

Another casual way of suggesting a brief viewing or examination.

look into something

Indicates a more in-depth inquiry or investigation.

investigate something

Implies a more thorough and systematic examination than "check something out".

examine something

Suggests a detailed and careful inspection.

inspect something

Suggests a careful and critical examination.

scope something out

Implies a preliminary assessment, often in a secretive or strategic way.

review something

Suggests a formal assessment or evaluation.

give something a once-over

Suggests a quick and cursory examination.

browse something

Implies a casual and unstructured exploration.

FAQs

What does "check something out" mean?

The phrase "check something out" means to examine, investigate, or look at something to form an opinion or gain information. It's often used as an invitation or suggestion.

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

You can use it to suggest someone examine or consider something. For example, "Check out this new movie" or "Check out this website for more information."

What are some alternatives to "check something out"?

Some alternatives include "look into something", "examine something", or ""investigate something depending on the context"."

Is "check something out" formal or informal?

The phrase "check something out" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, it's better to use alternatives such as "examine", "investigate", or "review".