checking it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking it out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to examining or investigating something, often to assess its quality or suitability. Example: "I heard about a new restaurant in town, so I'm thinking of checking it out this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I look forward to checking it out!

University of California, Berkeley

"There are people walking around, checking it out".

The New York Times

If it doesnt work after checking it out and finding nothing wrong.kick it!

Columbia University

It's a fascinating read, and we highly recommend checking it out!

University of California, Berkeley

Researchers in Toronto are also checking it out as a possible treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Independent

They said 'Why aren't you moving on it?' when we insisted on checking it out first".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Check it out, check it out.

The New York Times

"Check it out, though.

The New Yorker

Check it out here.

The Economist

I checked it out".

The New York Times - Magazine

Check it out HERE.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal document, consider alternatives like "examining", "investigating", or "assessing" depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "checking it out" in academic papers or business reports. Opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking it out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It indicates the act of examining or investigating something, often with the intent of forming an opinion or understanding it better. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checking it out" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of examining or investigating something. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's most appropriate for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "examining", "investigating", or "assessing". Ludwig provides numerous examples from news, academic, and other sources, illustrating its varied usage. Be mindful of the register and choose more formal options when writing for professional audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a look at it

A more verbose but equivalent expression.

looking into it

Suggests a preliminary investigation or review.

investigating it

Focuses on a more formal or thorough examination.

examining it

Implies a careful and detailed inspection.

inspecting it

Emphasizes a close and critical observation.

assessing it

Highlights the evaluation aspect of the examination.

scoping it out

More informal, suggesting a quick assessment of a place or situation.

vetting it

Implies assessing something for approval or quality.

giving it a once-over

Suggests a quick and superficial examination.

having a look-see

Informal, implying a casual and curious inspection.

FAQs

What does "checking it out" mean?

"Checking it out" means examining, investigating, or looking at something, often to form an opinion or gather information. It's generally used in informal contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "looking into it", "investigating it", or "examining it" depending on the context.

Is "checking it out" too informal for professional emails?

Yes, "checking it out" is generally too informal for professional emails. Consider using more formal alternatives like "reviewing", "examining", or "assessing".

How to use "checking it out" in a sentence?

You can use "checking it out" in a sentence like, "I'm thinking of "taking a look at it" the new exhibit at the museum" or "She's "investigating it" the issue with the software."