check the list

USAGE SUMMARY

"check the list" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a command or instruction to remind someone to review or examine a list for accuracy or completeness. An example of using this phrase in a sentence could be: "Before you go to the grocery store, please check the list to make sure we have everything we need for tonight's dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Just check the list of Oscar winners over the years).

The New York Times

They check the list, forgotten until now, a lot.

The New York Times

Check the list against the list of events found at //www.nytimes.com/pages/sports/olympics2006/sports/index.html.html

The New York Times

Choose fresh sausages for a start, and check the list of ingredients: the fewer the better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're here to say that Maria had a responsibility to check the list.

The Guardian - Sport

And always check the list of approved pharmacies, Mr. Steinberg advises.

The New York Times

Telemarketers are required to check the list every 31 days and remove anyone who appears on the registry.

The New York Times

Before your trip, check The List (list.co.uk) for restaurant reviews and a guide to exhibitions, shows and events.

The New York Times - Travel

The department had ordered airlines to check the list within two hours of being told of an update.

The New York Times

A good stockbroker will check the list periodically to make sure dividends are being properly paid, especially for important clients.

The New York Times

Before requesting service on this unit, check the list below for a possible cause of the problem you are experiencing.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check the list" to emphasize the importance of verifying information. For example, "Always check the list of ingredients for potential allergens."

Common error

Avoid saying "check list" instead of "check the list". The definite article "the" specifies a particular list, making the instruction clearer and more grammatically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check the list" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to review or verify a list. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from verifying ingredients to ensuring all tasks are completed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

31%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check the list" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct someone to review a list for accuracy or completeness. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, wiki, and science, as well as in both formal and informal settings. While it is generally neutral in register, being clear that the inclusion of the definite article "the" enhances clarity. Alternatives like "review the inventory" or "validate the register" can be used for a more formal tone, but the basic imperative remains a versatile tool for ensuring accuracy and preventing errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go through the checklist

Implies a systematic review of items, and the word "checklist" replace the word "list".

verify the items

Substitutes "list" with "items", focusing on individual entries and their confirmation.

review the inventory

Replaces "list" with "inventory", implying a stock or collection being examined.

scrutinize the record

Changes "check" to "scrutinize", suggesting a more detailed and critical examination.

validate the register

Replaces "check" with "validate", indicating a formal confirmation of accuracy.

go over the catalog

Uses "catalog" instead of "list", suggesting a more detailed or extensive compilation.

scan the roster

Uses "roster" instead of "list", implying a list of names or members.

inspect the directory

Replaces "list" with "directory", implying a list of contacts or resources.

examine the registry

Replaces "list" with "registry", indicating an official or formal record.

look through the enumeration

Uses "enumeration" instead of "list", suggesting a numbered or itemized compilation.

FAQs

How can I use "check the list" in a sentence?

You can use "check the list" as a directive to ensure accuracy or completeness, as in, "Before you leave, "check the list" of items to pack".

What is a more formal alternative to "check the list"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "review the inventory" or "validate the register", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "check the list" and "make the list"?

"Check the list" implies reviewing an existing list, while "make the list" means creating a new list. The first is about verification, the second about compilation.

Is it ever correct to say "check list" without the article "the"?

While "check list" might be used informally, it's generally more grammatically correct and clearer to include the definite article "the" to specify a particular list. In formal writing, always use ""check the list"".