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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
checking story
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "checking story" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to the act of verifying or reviewing a narrative or account, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "I spent the afternoon checking story details to ensure accuracy before publication."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Excerpts played in court revealed the "Africa checking story", a plan hatched to say part of the ceremony involved "checking" the girls to make sure they had not been mutilated in Africa.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
He was the final person to check stories before they went into the newspaper.
News & Media
They checked all local motels, all stores in the area that might have sold the trunk; they sent fingerprints to FBI, and checked stories of suspicious behavior.
News & Media
An independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, so it is wrong for journalists to allow their sources to copy-check stories.
News & Media
Read more Health Check stories.
News & Media
Read more Health Check stories here.
News & Media
Check stories yourself to see if they're age-appropriate before you hand them over.
Wiki
"So much for checking a story.
News & Media
Both have now apologised to their readers for not checking the story.
News & Media
Moving business overseas, pre-existing conditions… @froomkin: @sulliview Pretty good NYT fact-checking story on A20.
News & Media
"This is a kind of 'Honey, inflation ate my rebate check' story," said Jared Bernstein, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In formal writing, avoid using the phrase "checking story". Opt instead for more professional and precise alternatives.
Common error
Avoid using "checking story" in situations where a formal or professional tone is required. The phrase lacks precision and can be misinterpreted.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "checking story" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, suggesting an action in progress. However, it often implies the act of verifying or examining a narrative. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not considered standard English and lacks clarity. The provided examples also reveal that this phrase is rarely used.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Wiki
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Academia
10%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "checking story" is an ambiguous and infrequent expression. Ludwig AI considers the phrase non-standard and suggests that you avoid the expression if your intent is to write clearly and correctly. While it loosely translates to verifying or reviewing a narrative, it lacks the precision required for formal writing or professional communication.
Based on the provided examples, "checking story" appears most often in news and media sources, but even there, it's not a dominant expression. For clarity and correctness, consider alternatives like "verifying the account" or "fact-checking the report".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
verifying the account
This focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of a reported event or series of events.
reviewing the narrative
This suggests a careful examination of the way a story is told, including its structure and content.
fact-checking the report
This emphasizes the process of confirming factual details within a report or news article.
investigating the claim
This implies a more in-depth inquiry into the validity of a statement or assertion.
validating the story
This highlights the effort to prove that a story is sound, just, or well-founded.
assessing the truthfulness of the narrative
This involves evaluating how closely the narrative aligns with reality or known facts.
examining the details of the account
This focuses on looking closely at specific elements and information within a reported event.
scrutinizing the facts
This suggests a very careful and critical examination of the information.
confirming the veracity of the tale
This indicates checking the accuracy and truth of a story or narrative, often one that may be embellished or fictionalized.
corroborating the account
This emphasizes the need for independent evidence to support the details of the account.
FAQs
What does "checking story" mean?
The phrase "checking story" is vague, but it generally refers to the act of verifying or reviewing a narrative to ensure it's accurate. More precise alternatives include "fact-checking", "verifying the account", or "reviewing the narrative".
Is it grammatically correct to say "checking story"?
While not strictly ungrammatical, "checking story" is not considered standard English. It's preferable to use a more complete phrase like "fact-checking the story" or "verifying the details of the story".
What can I say instead of "checking story"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "verifying the account", "reviewing the narrative", or "fact-checking the report".
When is it appropriate to use "checking story"?
Given its ambiguity, it's best to avoid "checking story" in formal writing. In very informal contexts, it might be understood, but more precise language is always recommended.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested