checking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'checking' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used as a gerund (verb ending in -ing), referring to the action of confirming or verifying something. For example: "I'm checking to see if the item is in stock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The repeated refusal of GPs, social housing officers and social security staff to act as immigration officers also means that if more robust residence tests are to be introduced for other EU nationals then an easy and authoritative way is needed of checking how long they have been in the country and what their immigration status is.

The Guardian

"Just checking".

The New York Times

They're not trying to palm you off with dodgy clothes; it's just their particular method of stock keeping, but it's worth checking they've given you the right size.

The Guardian - Travel

Constantly checking my phone not only makes me bad company (sorry friends), but it makes me worry that there's something I'm missing or something I've failed to cover in one of my stories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Duncan has a mere six months to go, so it's worth checking out his progress.

The Guardian - Travel

Xosar has risen in stature as a figurehead of a somewhat cosmic live hardware scene, self-releasing records with titles such as Psychick Justice, while simultaneously checking in with a plethora of tastemaker labels.

The Guardian - Music

Here, a note of caution for parents: the baby-listener we brought didn't reach through any of the hotel's giant stone walls, so you have to be comfortable with just going up to check on them… or not checking on them and just vaguely hoping they're OK, which, after about an hour, I decided was by far the best course.

The Guardian - Travel

Lacey reported that Maradona "stayed in the engine-room, checking on the gauges and the pistons and giving a less spectacular through no less valuable performance".

The Guardian - Sport

But by checking out of the process, you are checking out of both the right, but also obligation, to play your part in the society you want to see, and leave for your children.

The Guardian

And it's a gap that tells all of us we need to start checking those boxes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Officers are checking similar cases in East Anglia to establish whether a serial killer could be at large, but stressed no link had been found to any other crime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "checking" something, specify what criteria or standards you are using for the evaluation to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "checking" vaguely. Always specify what is being checked to prevent ambiguity. Instead of saying "I'm checking," say "I'm checking the data" or "I'm checking the results".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "checking" is that of a present participle, often used in continuous verb tenses (e.g., "I am checking") or as a gerund, functioning as a noun (e.g., "Checking accounts are useful"). Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples of its use in similar contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "checking" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, denoting the action of verifying or inspecting. Ludwig's analysis, combined with numerous real-world examples, shows its versatility across various contexts, most prominently in news, travel, and lifestyle content. Its grammatical correctness and neutral register make it suitable for broad use. While "checking" is very common, it's important to specify what's being checked to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "verifying" or "inspecting" can offer more precise meanings depending on the situation. Finally, "checking on" has a specific meaning related to ensuring well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verifying

Focuses more on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

inspecting

Emphasizes a detailed and careful examination.

examining

Similar to inspecting, but can also refer to a more general investigation.

monitoring

Highlights the continuous observation of something over time.

assessing

Implies evaluating the quality or importance of something.

scrutinizing

Suggests a critical and thorough examination.

reviewing

Indicates a formal assessment or evaluation.

confirming

Specifically denotes establishing something as true or definite.

validating

Implies establishing the soundness or legitimacy of something.

investigating

Suggests a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

FAQs

How to use "checking" in a sentence?

"Checking" is often used as a gerund or present participle. For example, "I am "checking the results"" or "Checking accounts are useful for managing finances."

What can I say instead of "checking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "verifying", "inspecting", or "monitoring".

When is it appropriate to use "checking" vs. "inspecting"?

"Checking" implies a general verification, while "inspecting" suggests a more detailed and thorough examination. Use "checking" for quick reviews and "inspecting" when a comprehensive assessment is needed.

Is "checking on" the same as "checking"?

"Checking on" implies ensuring the well-being or status of someone or something. For example, "checking on the baby" means making sure the baby is safe and comfortable, which is different than simply "checking" a list or item.