checking for weapons

USAGE SUMMARY

"checking for weapons" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example: Before entering the high-security event, the security guard conducted a thorough check on all attendees, checking for weapons or any other prohibited items.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Harley went through the dresser, checking for weapons.

The New Yorker

Guards poke through handbags and pat down the men, checking for weapons.

The New York Times - Travel

Heavily armed checkpoints outside the city stopped every car before entering the city, checking for weapons and explosives.

The New York Times

Kevin, another neighbor, who like many of those interviewed in the aftermath of the shooting would not give his last name, said there were men from the neighborhood acting as security guards and checking for weapons at the front door.

The New York Times

The tactic, which involved New York police officers stopping passersby, questioning them and checking for weapons, was found unconstitutional in 2013 because it disproportionately targeted African American and Latino people.

The Guardian

Bowman beams with pride as the rangers follow the script of their training, securing the scene, checking for weapons and leaving the two poachers no choice but to follow their commands and step away from their equipment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The word is out that Americans have come to check for weapons," said Sgt. Mark Douglas of the First Infantry Division.

The New York Times

The controversial stop-and-frisk policy, under which people suspected of criminal activity are stopped and checked for weapons, is also considered helpful.

The Economist

Security guards at the university checked for weapons, turning away young men who had shown up armed with planks of wood.

The New York Times

The gunman had been at large since the shooting, which took place in a neighborhood so dangerous that guests are often checked for weapons before entering parties.

The New York Times

The New York Police Department was uncomfortable with allowing tourists to board ferries to the statue without first being checked for weapons and explosives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security measures, specify the type of "checking" involved (e.g., physical pat-down, metal detector scan) to provide clarity.

Common error

Don't use "checking for weapons" as a blanket term. Instead, clarify the method of checking and the specific types of weapons being sought to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking for weapons" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of verifying the absence of weapons, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples where security personnel are "checking for weapons" at various locations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "checking for weapons" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe security procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While somewhat uncommon in frequency, it appears most often in news and media sources, denoting measures taken to ensure safety. Related phrases include "screening for arms" and "inspecting for firearms", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specify the method of checking and the types of weapons being sought to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking for weapons

A more general and straightforward way to express the same idea.

searching for weapons

Uses "searching" to emphasize the act of looking for weapons.

examining for weapons

Uses "examining" to convey a careful and thorough inspection.

screening for arms

Focuses on the act of screening, implying a more systematic or technological approach.

inspecting for firearms

Replaces "weapons" with the more specific "firearms" and uses "inspecting" to suggest a detailed examination.

assessing for weaponry

Employs "assessing" to imply a more comprehensive evaluation of potential threats.

detecting weapons

Focuses on the act of detecting, often using technology.

verifying for armaments

Replaces "weapons" with the more formal "armaments" and uses "verifying" to suggest confirming the absence of weapons.

frisking for weapons

Specifically refers to a physical pat-down to find weapons.

scanning for contraband

Broadens the scope to include any prohibited items, not just weapons.

FAQs

What's another way to say "checking for weapons"?

Alternatives include "screening for arms", "inspecting for firearms", or simply "looking for weapons", depending on the context.

In what situations is it common to "check for weapons"?

"Checking for weapons" is common in security contexts such as airports, concerts, schools, and government buildings to ensure safety.

What does "checking for weapons" typically involve?

It can involve physical searches, metal detectors, bag inspections, and other security measures to detect and prevent the entry of dangerous items.

Is "checking for weapons" the same as "searching for weapons"?

The phrases are very similar. "Checking for weapons" implies a more systematic approach, while "searching for weapons" suggests a broader or more exploratory activity.