checking him out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking him out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to looking at someone with interest, often in a romantic or flirtatious way. Example: "I saw her at the café, and she was definitely checking him out from across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Shari was checking him out," recalled Jeannie Ost, a colleague.

The New York Times - Style

With Jenna at an airport, Joey realizes, men were checking him out resentfully.

The New Yorker

While I was checking him out, he was certainly checking me out.

The Guardian - Film

"They are checking to see if he has any explosive on him, and they are also checking him out medically".

The New York Times

"While I was checking him out, he was certainly checking me out," Hanson said in the Guardian interview.

The Guardian - Film

So Mr. Giuliani said once again said that he had made "a mistake in not checking him out more carefully".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Check him out @johnlewis.

The Guardian

"I checked him out," Mr. Icahn says.

The New York Times

We're going to check him out".

The New York Times

But check him out in "Fur".

The New Yorker

Check him out and let us know what you think.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checking him out" in writing, be mindful of the context. It's generally informal and implies a level of personal interest or evaluation. If a more neutral or formal tone is needed, consider alternatives like "observing him" or "assessing him".

Common error

Avoid using "checking him out" in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral or objective term is appropriate. Using it inappropriately can undermine the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "checking him out" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of observing someone with interest. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used in contexts ranging from casual observation to more deliberate scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "checking him out" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe observing someone with interest, often in an informal context. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English, primarily in news and media sources. While generally informal, it's important to be aware of the context and consider more neutral alternatives, such as "observing him closely", for formal situations. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eyeing him up and down

Suggests a visual assessment, often with a hint of attraction.

observing him closely

Neutral, focusing on careful observation without implying romantic interest.

giving him the once-over

More informal and suggests a quick, comprehensive look.

taking a good look at him

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the observation.

sizing him up

Implies evaluation and judgment of someone's character or abilities.

giving him a flirty look

Specifically implies romantic or sexual interest.

assessing his qualities

More formal and emphasizes evaluation rather than simple observation.

evaluating his appearance

Focuses specifically on physical attributes and their assessment.

scrutinizing him

Suggests a very detailed and critical examination.

inspecting him

Suggests a more formal or official observation.

FAQs

What does "checking him out" mean?

It means observing someone with interest, often with romantic or evaluative intent. It's an informal way of saying someone is looking at another person closely.

What can I say instead of "checking him out"?

You can use alternatives like "observing him closely", "sizing him up", or "assessing his qualities" depending on the context.

Is "checking him out" appropriate in formal writing?

No, it's generally considered informal. Use more neutral or formal phrases like "observing him" or "assessing him" in formal contexts.

How do I use "checking him out" in a sentence?

Example: "I saw her at the café, and she was definitely "checking him out" from across the room."