checking on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to inquire about the status or condition of someone or something. Example: "I am checking on the progress of the project to ensure we are on track for the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Checking on one patient, he found a few problems.

The New Yorker

No one is checking on it.

The New York Times - Sports

There is one chance, at least, of checking on him.

The Guardian

We are checking on others.

The New York Times

Who was checking on them?

The New York Times

People checking on people.

The Guardian

Gillen was checking on the progress.

The New York Times - Magazine

Checking on the Fares Q.

The New York Times

He's always checking on me.

The New York Times

If that means checking on cars, fine.

The New Yorker

"The Tea Shoppe, checking on the Mexicans.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When used in technical contexts, ensure clarity. For example, "checking on" server performance implies monitoring metrics and addressing issues proactively.

Common error

Avoid replacing "checking on" with overly formal alternatives like "ascertaining the condition of" in informal contexts. Choose language appropriate for your audience and situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "checking on" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a verb phrase to describe an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "checking on" is a versatile and commonly used expression to inquire about the status or well-being of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts, though more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or business settings. Its prevalence in news, media, and general conversation makes it a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitoring

Focuses more on continuous observation rather than a single instance of inquiry.

looking in on

Implies a brief visit or check, often to ensure someone is safe or well.

inquiring about

A more formal way of asking for information about someone or something.

verifying

Implies confirming the accuracy or truth of something, rather than just inquiring about its status.

keeping an eye on

Similar to "keeping tabs on", but can also imply protecting or guarding.

keeping tabs on

Suggests a more discreet or informal way of monitoring someone or something.

following up on

Suggests a continuation of a previous inquiry or action.

ascertaining the condition of

A more formal and thorough way of finding out the state or status of something.

assessing

Implies an evaluation or judgment of someone or something's status or progress.

scrutinizing

Suggests a very detailed and careful examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "checking on" to describe the act of inquiring about someone's well-being or the status of something. For example, "I'm "checking on" my friend who is sick", or "The engineer is "checking on" the machine's progress".

What's a good alternative to "checking on"?

Alternatives include "inquiring about", "monitoring", or "looking in on", depending on the specific context.

Is "checking on" formal or informal?

"Checking on" is generally considered to be fairly neutral, suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. In very formal writing, more precise terms like "verifying" or "assessing" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "checking on" and "keeping tabs on"?

"Checking on" implies a more direct inquiry or observation, while "keeping tabs on" suggests a more continuous, perhaps discreet, monitoring process.