check things out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check things out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting someone investigate or look into something further. Example: "If you're interested in the new restaurant, you should check things out before making a reservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We won't move Ellis before we check things out," the defensive coordinator, Ted Cottrell, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Would the cops in the car stop and make a U-turn and check things out," he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ritter said he went to great lengths to check things out, though on this score he is less than convincing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's really hard to diagnose, and therefore the more time you give doctors to check things out, the better.

The Guardian

I talk to people, I check things out, I meet the Dutch prime minister, I watch football.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was noted by many diplomats that Teng in his 9 days here, seemed to have no need to check things out with his colleagues at home.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

After checking things out, they found a guard amenable to bribery.

The New York Times

Bettman should be down here checking things out, what's going on".

The New York Times - Sports

"It doesn't sound so bad making sure you're checking things out before somebody gets a weapon," he said.

The New York Times

If Mogilevich would have information about Levinson, don't you think he would come forward, spend huge time and connections and money, checking things out in Iran and exchanging information?

The New Yorker

If you are still ill once the deferred period has ended, you should start to receive payment once you have completed your claim form and the insurer has checked things out with your doctor (if necessary).

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check things out" in writing, ensure the context is appropriate for informal communication. In formal documents, consider using more professional alternatives like "investigate" or "examine".

Common error

Avoid using "check things out" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal synonyms like "investigate" or "review" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check things out" functions primarily as a verb phrase used in an imperative or indicative context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in suggesting or describing an act of investigation or examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check things out" is a common and generally correct phrase used to suggest or describe an act of investigation or examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While suitable for neutral to informal communication, more formal alternatives like "investigate" or "examine" are recommended for professional or academic writing. When deciding on using "check things out", consider whether the tone and context are appropriate for a relatively informal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look into it

A more casual and general way to say "check things out".

get the facts

Aims to uncover and verify the truth about something.

find out about it

Highlights the action of discovering or learning new information.

investigate the matter

Focuses more on a formal or thorough inquiry.

review the information

Implies a systematic and organized examination of data.

examine the details

Emphasizes a close and careful inspection.

evaluate the evidence

Focuses on weighing the credibility and relevance of available proof.

explore the situation

Suggests a broader, more open-ended inquiry.

assess the circumstances

Implies a careful evaluation of the surrounding conditions.

scrutinize the facts

Suggests a very critical and detailed examination.

FAQs

What does "check things out" mean?

The phrase "check things out" generally means to investigate, examine, or look into something to gather more information or form an opinion.

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

You can use "check things out" in sentences like: "I'm going to "check things out" at the new museum" or "We should "check things out" before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to "check things out"?

Some alternatives to "check things out" include "look into it", "investigate", "examine", or "explore". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "check things out" in formal writing?

While "check things out" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives like "investigate the matter" or "examine the details" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.