checking in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "to make a brief visit or inquiry", such as in the following sentence: I'll be stopping by the store to check in on how my order is progressing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Just checking in.

The New Yorker

Is someone checking in regularly?

The New York Times

They kept checking in.

The New Yorker

"He's just checking in," Mr. Blakeman said.

The New York Times

You're checking in with him, too.

The New York Times

It's my way of checking in.

The Guardian

It's just checking in with each other.

The New Yorker

I'll be checking in throughout the week.

The New York Times

Thank you, Wallis, for checking in!

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Then, of course, there is checking-in.

TechCrunch

Forget about checking-in to venues.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "checking in" when you want to convey a brief or periodic communication aimed at monitoring progress, ensuring well-being, or maintaining contact. For instance, "I'm just "checking in" to see how you're doing with the project."

Common error

Avoid using "checking in" when you mean "registering at a place like a hotel or airport". The correct phrase for that action is "checking into". For example, say "I'm "checking into" the hotel now" not "I'm "checking in" the hotel now".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "checking in" is that of a phrasal verb acting as a present participle. It typically functions as part of a continuous verb tense, indicating an ongoing action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checking in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe the act of making contact for a brief update or inquiry. The phrase is versatile, suitable for various contexts from personal communication to professional settings and is considered neutral in tone. While highly adaptable, be careful not to confuse it with "checking into" which specifically refers to registering at a location. Utilizing alternatives like "touching base" or "following up" can enhance your writing depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "checking in" to inquire and show care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touching base

Highlights a brief communication, often for updates or coordination.

staying in contact

Highlights the maintenance of ongoing communication.

making contact

Focuses more on the act of establishing communication, less about the reason.

getting in touch

Emphasizes the initiation of communication, potentially after a period of absence.

following up

Suggests a continuation of a previous conversation or action.

dropping a line

Indicates a casual and brief form of communication.

keeping tabs

Implies monitoring or observing something or someone.

making an inquiry

Emphasizes the act of asking for information.

monitoring progress

Focuses specifically on the act of overseeing development or advancement.

verifying status

Highlights the act of confirming or validating the current state.

FAQs

How can I use "checking in" in a sentence?

You can use "checking in" to indicate making contact for a brief update or inquiry, as in "I'm just "checking in" to see how your project is going" or "She's "checking in" on her mother regularly".

What can I say instead of "checking in"?

Alternatives to "checking in" include phrases like "touching base", "getting in touch", or "following up", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "checking in" and "checking into"?

"Checking in" generally means making contact or inquiring, while "checking into" refers specifically to registering at a location, such as a hotel or airport.

When is it appropriate to use "checking in" in professional communication?

It's appropriate to use "checking in" in professional communication when you want to convey a brief update, inquire about progress, or maintain contact without being overly formal. For instance, "I'm "checking in" to see if you have any questions about the report".