checked around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checked around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of looking or searching in various places or among different people for information or items. Example: "I checked around the office for the missing files but couldn't find them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But if you checked around, you'd learn that you're not alone.

The Washington Post

He checked around for the Sikh who had been following him, probably to repossess his Volvo.

The New Yorker

"I checked around and found a good piano for $50, delivered," he said.

The New York Times

"I've checked around," she said, "and I'm hearing that ours is the worst district in terms of middle schools.

The New York Times

Dad checked around but it seems that no one ever immigrated from, or was deported to, this place.

The New York Times

"I checked around," he said, winking his pinpoint aquamarine eyes, which, as he aged, had almost disappeared under colorless eyebrows and hanging folds of flesh.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Check around," he said.

The New York Times

When I began checking around, I heard similar tales.

The New York Times

You better check around, there are videos of the incident.

University of California, Berkeley

In checking around, I found one exception to this general rule.

The New York Times

I'll try to check around with some of my contacts in the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "checked around" to convey a casual, informal search for information or items in different places or from various sources. It's ideal when you're not conducting a formal investigation, but rather gathering information in a less structured way.

Common error

Avoid using "checked around" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "investigated" or "researched" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checked around" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an informal process of searching or inquiring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a casual investigation or exploration of different sources to gather information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checked around" is a phrasal verb used to describe a casual process of searching or inquiring in various places or from different people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's suitable for informal contexts like news articles and general web content, more formal alternatives such as ""investigated"" or "researched" are preferable in professional or academic writing. The phrase enjoys common usage, primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked into

Implies a more in-depth investigation.

investigated

Suggests a formal or official inquiry.

inquired about

Focuses on asking questions to gather information.

researched

Involves a systematic study to discover facts.

verified

Emphasizes confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

sought information

Highlights the act of actively searching for details.

made inquiries

Formal way of saying someone asked questions.

surveyed

Implies a broad overview or examination.

canvassed

Suggests a thorough and systematic search or inquiry.

scouted around

Informal, suggests looking for something specific.

FAQs

What does "checked around" mean?

"Checked around" means to look or search in various places or ask different people to find something or get information.

How can I use "checked around" in a sentence?

You can say, "I "checked around" to see if anyone had seen my keys" or "She "checked around" online for the best deals."

What are some alternatives to "checked around"?

Alternatives include "looked into", "investigated", or "inquired about" depending on the specific context.

Is "checked around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "checked around" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives.