checking up on

USAGE SUMMARY

"checking up on" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the process of getting information about or checking the progress of something, often related to health or well-being. For example, "I'm going to call my parents tonight to check up on them and see how they are doing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If no one else is constantly checking up on the group about logistics, you should be that person.

Huffington Post

"They were checking up on their men.

The New York Times

More like it was just checking up on her".

The New York Times

I'm so grateful they kept checking up on me.

The Guardian

For better (he's always around checking up on things) or worse (he's always around checking up on things), the landlord is the upstairs or downstairs neighbor.

The New York Times

Allbritton says he will sometimes ask Harris and VandeHei: "Are you checking up on Mikey?

The New York Times - Magazine

Co. no ironclad way of checking up on people who say they have got wrong numbers.

The New Yorker

"Especially our British friends are being very careful about checking up on our allies".

The Guardian

Checking up on it during the first 20 minutes is discouraging if nothing else.

The New York Times

"Most don't have anyone else checking up on them daily," Mrs. Cox said of her clients.

The New York Times

He would occasionally see Kate in a corridor: "He was checking up on me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checking up on", ensure the context clarifies the purpose of the check-up, whether it's for monitoring progress, ensuring safety, or verifying information.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "checking up on". Opt for more professional alternatives like "monitoring", "assessing", or "verifying" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "checking up on" primarily functions as a process indicator, denoting the act of monitoring or investigating something or someone. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts, from health to project management, with the goal of ensuring everything is proceeding as expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checking up on" is a frequently used phrasal verb that conveys the action of monitoring, verifying, or showing concern. It is grammatically sound and Ludwig AI confirms it is commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its usage is generally neutral, opting for more formal alternatives like "monitoring", "assessing", or "verifying" might be preferable in professional or academic settings. Remember to ensure the context clarifies the purpose and choose synonyms carefully to convey the precise intent. Finally, be aware of overuse, especially in more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping an eye on

Suggests a casual or watchful observation, often for safety or security.

keeping tabs on

Implies discreet observation, often to stay informed about someone or something.

monitoring

Focuses on continuous observation, often for a specific purpose or goal.

following up with

Highlights the act of contacting someone to ensure progress or satisfaction.

verifying

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

assessing

Involves evaluating or determining the value or condition of something.

inspecting

Suggests a detailed examination of something, often for quality or safety.

scrutinizing

Implies a critical and thorough examination, often to find flaws or errors.

supervising

Focuses on overseeing activities or tasks to ensure they are done correctly.

investigating

Involves a systematic inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident or allegation.

FAQs

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

You can use "checking up on" to indicate monitoring someone's well-being or ensuring progress on a task. For example, "The doctor is "checking up on" the patient's recovery" or "The manager is "checking up on" the team's progress".

What are some alternatives to "checking up on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "monitoring", "following up with", or "keeping an eye on".

When is it appropriate to use "checking up on" in writing?

"Checking up on" is appropriate in informal or neutral contexts. In more formal or professional settings, consider using alternatives like "assessing" or "verifying".

Is "checking up on" considered formal or informal language?

"Checking up on" leans towards informal language. While widely understood, more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional writing.