check up on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check up on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to inquire about the status or condition of something or someone. Example: "I need to check up on the progress of the project to ensure we are on track for the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I need to check up on something".. Look through your credit history.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This way if someone were to check up on you, you have something to do.

WikiHow

It isn't that she is afraid that Ailo will come back to check up on her, or to get something she has forgotten.

The New Yorker

But she also uses it to check up on friends who may be upset about something — and in those cases she will follow up with a real conversation.

The New York Times

I said, when Baytex tells you something do you check up on it?

Vice

Something told him to check up on her before she had sent out that day's mail.

The New Yorker

I worried that something happened and called to check up on him.

Huffington Post

And that does something to me, even though I can check up on myself and see what's happening.

The New Yorker

Before you end the conversation, saying something like "Text me again if you still need to talk" or "Can I check up on you tomorrow?" sets you up to continue the interaction later.

WikiHow

They called me at home to check up on me.

The New York Times - Sports

They called to check up on the dog.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "check up on something", ensure the context clearly defines what or who is being checked. For example, "check up on the project's progress" is more precise than simply "check up on something".

Common error

While "check up on something" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "monitor", "assess", or "evaluate" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "check up on something" functions primarily as a means to inquire about the status or condition of something. As shown by Ludwig, its usage implies a need to monitor or ensure that something is proceeding as expected. The Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "check up on something" is a versatile phrasal verb used to inquire about the status or condition of something. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While suitable for both informal and professional settings, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly formal writing. The phrase is commonly used across Wiki, News & Media, and Formal & Business sources, indicating its wide applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about what exactly is being checked. For enhanced precision, consider alternatives like "monitor something", "assess something", or "follow up on something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow up on something

This alternative suggests continuing to monitor something after an initial action or inquiry.

monitor something

This alternative provides a more formal and general way to express the act of keeping track of something.

look into something

This alternative implies a brief investigation or inquiry.

inspect something

This alternative implies a closer and more detailed examination.

keep an eye on something

This alternative is a common idiom that suggests monitoring something for any changes or problems.

review something

This alternative suggests a formal assessment or evaluation.

keep tabs on something

This alternative is more informal and implies close monitoring.

investigate something

This alternative implies a more in-depth and formal inquiry, often related to problems or issues.

assess something

This alternative suggests evaluating or measuring something, often for quality or performance.

scrutinize something

This alternative conveys a more critical and detailed examination.

FAQs

How can I use "check up on something" in a sentence?

You can use "check up on something" to inquire about the status or condition of something. For example, "I need to "check up on something" to ensure we are on track for the deadline." You can also use alternatives like "follow up on something" or "inquire about something".

What are some alternatives to "check up on something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "monitor something", "assess something", or "follow up on something".

Is "check up on something" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "check up on something" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "evaluate something" or "inspect something" in such cases.

What's the difference between "check up on something" and "investigate something"?

"Check up on something" generally implies a routine inquiry or monitoring, whereas "investigate something" suggests a more in-depth and formal inquiry, often related to problems or issues.