checked out

USAGE SUMMARY

"checked out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of leaving somewhere after having completed a task. For example, you might say, "I checked out of the hotel at noon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both checked out fine.

The New York Times - Sports

Checked out or engaged?

University of California, Berkeley

He's checked out".

The New York Times - Magazine

It checked out".

The Guardian

"I checked out long ago".

The New Yorker

He's being checked out now.

Independent

Have you checked out CornellCast?

Cornell University

She checked out every passenger.

University of California, Berkeley

They checked out some submarines.

The Washington Post

He checked out my boyfriend".

The New York Times - Sports

We checked out, paying $65.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial transactions, confirm the action is complete. Instead of "I will check out later," say "I checked out successfully."

Common error

Be mindful of the various meanings of "checked out". It can refer to leaving a location, borrowing an item, or becoming mentally disengaged. Ensure the context clarifies your intended meaning to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "checked out" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "check" with the preposition "out" to create a new meaning, often indicating departure, verification, or a state of disengagement. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

24%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checked out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from physical departure and item status to mental disengagement. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and versatile. While generally neutral, context is crucial in determining its precise meaning. This phrase sees frequent usage in News & Media and Academia, reflecting its broad applicability. It's important to be aware of the potential for misinterpretation due to its various meanings, as mentioned in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdrawn

Emphasizes the removal or detachment aspect, suitable when something is no longer available.

left

Focuses on the act of departing from a place, suitable for physical departures.

verified

Highlights the confirmation or validation of information, applicable when something has been confirmed as accurate.

examined

Suggests a careful inspection or review, used when something has been thoroughly investigated.

scrutinized

Implies a more detailed and critical examination, suitable when something is closely analyzed.

inspected

Focuses on a formal or official examination, often used in quality control or safety checks.

reviewed

Indicates a systematic assessment or evaluation, used in academic or professional contexts.

investigated

Emphasizes a thorough inquiry into a matter, often used in legal or investigative contexts.

departed

A more formal way of saying someone has left a place.

disengaged

Highlights a lack of emotional or mental involvement, suitable for describing someone who is no longer participating.

FAQs

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

You can use "checked out" to describe leaving a place (e.g., "I "checked out" of the hotel"), borrowing an item (e.g., "The book is "checked out""), or losing focus (e.g., "He "checked out" during the meeting").

What does "checked out" mean when referring to a person's state of mind?

When someone has ""checked out"" mentally, it means they have become disengaged, disinterested, or stopped paying attention to what's happening around them.

What's a more formal way to say someone "checked out" of a hotel?

A more formal way to say someone ""checked out"" of a hotel is to say they "departed" from the hotel.

Is it correct to say "I'm checking out" when paying for items at a store?

Yes, it's common and correct to say "I'm checking out" or "I'd like to "check out"" when you are ready to pay for your items at a store. This indicates that you are ready to complete your purchase.