check to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check to see" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to ask someone to examine or inspect something. For example, you could say "Be sure to check to see if the door is locked before you leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Check to see if person is responsive.

Princeton University

Check to see if you qualify for volume discounts.

Forbes

Check to see whether an advisory applies.

Los Angeles Times

Check to see if they are rainproof.

Huffington Post

Check to see if they control growth.

BMC Genomics

Spot check to see progress.

WikiHow

Always check to see what's included.

WikiHow

Check to see if it fits.

WikiHow

Check to see what bridge you have.

WikiHow

Check to see if the person responds.

WikiHow

Check to see if it is done.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check to see", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be verified and why. Clarity enhances the instruction's effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "check to see" when a simpler verb like "verify" or "confirm" suffices. Overuse can make writing sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "check to see" is to introduce a clause expressing the purpose of verification. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. It serves to prompt an action aimed at confirming a fact or condition, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

52%

Academia

2%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Science

39%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check to see" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a verification step. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal instructions to more formal advisories. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "verify" or "confirm" may sometimes be more appropriate for concise writing. Remember to use "check to see" when you want to emphasize the act of examining something for a specific purpose, ensuring clarity in your instructions and advice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure

This alternative is a slightly more informal way to express the need for verification.

verify

This alternative offers a more direct and concise way to express the need for confirmation.

confirm

This alternative suggests ensuring something is true or accurate.

ensure

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the goal of guaranteeing a specific outcome.

look into

This alternative implies a brief or preliminary examination.

determine

This alternative suggests finding something out definitively, often after some consideration.

ascertain

This alternative is a more formal and precise way to say find something out for certain.

inspect

This alternative suggests a careful and detailed examination.

investigate

This alternative suggests a more thorough and detailed examination.

evaluate

This alternative is used when assessing something's condition or value.

FAQs

How can I use "check to see" in a sentence?

You can use "check to see" to introduce a verification step, like: "Check to see if the door is locked before leaving."

What alternatives can I use instead of "check to see"?

Alternatives include "verify", "confirm", or "make sure", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "check to see that"?

While not strictly incorrect, "check that" is often more concise and conveys the same meaning. Consider: "Check that the oven is off" versus "Check to see that the oven is off."

What's the difference between "check to see" and "make sure"?

"Make sure" is a more informal alternative to "check to see", carrying a similar meaning. You can often use them interchangeably, but "check to see" might be preferred in more formal contexts. For example: "Make sure you have everything" is more casual than "Check to see that you have everything."