checking for

USAGE SUMMARY

"checking for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are inquiring about something, or confirming that it exists. Example: I'm checking for any new updates to the software.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Checking for pursuers.

The New York Times - Books

Checking for people, checking for possessions.

The New Yorker

Checking for mosquitoes".

The New York Times

"I'm checking for vandalism," he says.

The Guardian

"I'm always checking for a low fare.

The New York Times

Are you constantly checking for messages?

Harvard Business Review

Checking for gladiolus means entering tick-infested territory.

The Guardian

Also suitable for checking for faults along energy pipelines.

The Guardian

Then it started selling anyone without checking for passes.

The New York Times

4.39pm BST We're checking for something with TMO.

The Guardian - Sport

The referee referred it upstairs, checking for obstruction.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checking for", ensure the object being checked is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "checking for problems", specify "checking for software compatibility problems".

Common error

While versatile, "checking for" can sound informal in certain formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "verifying", "assessing", or "investigating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an action of searching, inspecting, or verifying the presence of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checking for" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating an act of searching or verifying. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider formality levels and opt for more precise alternatives in formal or scientific writing. Key takeaways include ensuring clarity in specifying the object being checked and avoiding overuse in contexts where more formal language is appropriate. Remember to use alternatives phrases such as "verifying the presence of", "ascertaining the existence of" or "assessing for" to have a richer and more precise writing. Always encapsulate the phrase you are searching for with quotation marks, even when inside markdown code.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for signs of

Substitutes "checking" with "searching for signs of", emphasizing the detection of indications.

looking to identify

Replaces "checking" with "looking to identify", focusing on the identification aspect.

inspecting to find

Replaces "checking" with "inspecting to find", emphasizing a more thorough examination.

assessing for

Replaces "checking" with "assessing", giving a sense of evaluation.

scanning to locate

Replaces "checking" with "scanning to locate", implying a broader search.

verifying the presence of

Replaces "checking" with "verifying the presence", making it more formal.

examining in search of

Replaces "checking" with "examining in search of", making it more descriptive.

monitoring to detect

Changes "checking" to "monitoring to detect", suggesting a continuous observation for something specific.

ascertaining the existence of

Substitutes "checking" with "ascertaining the existence", adding a layer of formality and precision.

investigating the possibility of

Substitutes "checking" with "investigating the possibility", implying a more in-depth search.

FAQs

How to use "checking for" in a sentence?

"Checking for" is used to indicate that someone is looking for something, often to verify its presence or absence. For example, "The doctor is checking for signs of infection."

What can I say instead of "checking for"?

You can use alternatives like "verifying the presence of", "assessing for", or "investigating the possibility of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "checking for" or "check for"?

"Checking for" implies an ongoing or repeated action, while "check for" is a command or instruction. For example, "I am checking for updates" versus "Check for updates before proceeding".

What's the difference between "checking for" and "looking for"?

While similar, "checking for" suggests a more methodical or official search, often to confirm something. "Looking for" is a more general term for searching. For instance, a security guard is "checking for" suspicious activity, while a tourist is "looking for" a souvenir.