checked the box

USAGE SUMMARY

"checked the box" is a valid phrase in written English and it is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: I checked the box next to the item that I wanted to purchase.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So Ms. Cimmino checked the box.

The New York Times

"I checked the box for maximum coverage".

The New York Times - Books

She'd already checked the box and its lining.

The New Yorker

And each year he checked the box marked "yes".

The New York Times

We checked the box to donate for research.

The New York Times

"She checked the box that said 'English: excellent,' "Anchee says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Having checked the box on attempted bipartisanship, Obama can now move in for the kill.

The New York Times

So I checked the box for chemical engineering on my application.

The New York Times

While filling out her school applications, I checked the box marked Hispanic.

The New York Times - Magazine

This time she checked the box that said she was not a U.S. citizen.

The Washington Post

"I think he checked the box with some of those who are in the base on his side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checked the box" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the tone of the document. While acceptable, consider stronger verbs like "selected" or "confirmed" for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "checked the box" in formal reports or academic papers. Diversify your language by using synonyms such as "selected", "indicated", or "confirmed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checked the box" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the action of marking a checkbox. As supported by Ludwig, it commonly appears when referring to forms, surveys, or applications where a selection needs to be made. It shows a direct action taken to indicate a choice or agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checked the box" is a very common phrase used to describe the act of marking a checkbox to indicate a selection or agreement. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts may benefit from stronger synonyms like "selected" or "confirmed". The phrase is straightforward and easily understood, making it a practical choice for conveying a simple act of choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked the option

Focuses on the action of marking a choice from a set of options, similar to checking a box.

ticked the checkbox

A synonym for "checked the box", using the word 'ticked' instead of 'checked'.

selected the choice

Highlights the act of choosing a specific option, akin to checking a box.

indicated the selection

Emphasizes the action of indicating a choice, similar to marking a box on a form.

filled in the bubble

Refers to a similar action of marking a choice, specifically filling in a bubble on a form.

completed the field

Focuses on completing a section or field in a form, which may involve checking a box.

affirmed the statement

Implies agreement or confirmation, often done by checking a box.

confirmed the selection

Highlights the action of confirming a choice, which can be done by checking a box.

designated the preference

Emphasizes the act of designating a preference, often indicated by checking a box.

responded to the prompt

Focuses on the act of responding to a prompt or question, where checking a box is a common response.

FAQs

What does "checked the box" mean?

The phrase "checked the box" typically means that someone has indicated their choice or agreement by marking a checkbox on a form, survey, or other document. It's a common way to confirm a selection or response.

What can I say instead of "checked the box"?

You can use alternatives like "marked the option", "ticked the checkbox", or "selected the choice" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "checked the box" in formal writing?

While "checked the box" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "indicated", "selected", or "confirmed" for a more professional tone.

How do I use "checked the box" in a sentence?

You can use "checked the box" to describe the action of marking a checkbox. For example, "She "checked the box" to indicate her agreement with the terms and conditions".