checking in on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking in on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to somebody visiting a place, or calling or messaging someone to see how they are doing. For example: "I'm just checking in on you to see how everything's going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Why aren't we checking in on the others?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it's hard to remember that when checking in on Warhol's grave.

The New Yorker

Until this is fixed, I'm afraid I won't be checking in on Your creation.

The New Yorker

"You wouldn't be spending four hours checking in" on an international flight.

The New York Times

His main chore is checking in on a pair of Japanese restaurants he has invested in.

The New York Times - Sports

And we're also checking in on how we might respond to announcements," said O'Rourke.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I watched neighbors check in on one another.

Huffington Post

Check in on some numbers.

The New York Times

She checks in on them every day.

The New York Times

She also checks in on Michele Bachmann.

The New Yorker

I checked in on a Tuesday.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, this phrase is ideal for status updates where you want to maintain a collaborative rather than a confrontational tone.

Common error

Do not confuse "checking in on" with "checking in at". Use "on" for people or projects you are monitoring, and "at" for locations like hotels or airports where you are registering your arrival.

Linguistic Context

This phrase functions as a phrasal-prepositional verb. It consists of the base verb "check" followed by the adverbial particle "in" and the preposition "on". As indicated by Ludwig AI, it acts as a transitive unit that requires an object, typically representing the person or situation being monitored.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "checking in on" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression favored in modern English. According to Ludwig, it is an essential tool for writers who need to describe the act of monitoring someone's well-being or a project's status. It successfully maintains a balance between professional oversight and personal concern, making it a reliable choice for everything from high-tier journalism in The New York Times to collaborative business emails. Its frequent appearance in both "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts underscores its status as a staple of clear, effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitoring

Suggests a more continuous or technical observation process

following up on

Emphasizes continuing a previous interaction or specific task

keeping tabs on

A more idiomatic and informal way to describe frequent observation

inquiring about

More formal and focused on the act of asking for information

touching base with

A common business idiom for brief contact or updates

observing

Focuses on the visual or analytical aspect of checking

verifying

Implies checking specifically to confirm accuracy or truth

overseeing

Suggests a position of authority or management over the subject

revisiting

Implies returning to a subject or person after some time has passed

supervising

A formal term for professional or administrative oversight

FAQs

How to use "checking in on" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe monitoring progress or well-being, such as: "The manager is "checking in on" the team's progress."

What can I say instead of "checking in on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "monitoring", "following up on", or "touching base with".

What is the difference between "checking in on" and "checking on"?

While similar, "checking on" is often more direct or clinical, whereas "checking in on" often implies a more social or periodic check to see how something is developing.

Is "checking in on" formal enough for business emails?

Yes, it is widely used in professional contexts to mean "evaluating" or "reviewing" status in a friendly yet efficient manner.