checking when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the timing of an event or action. Example: "I am checking when the meeting is scheduled to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A common cause is sloppy data checking when the companies purchase debts.

The Guardian - Money

But it makes for easy fact checking when we can simply repeat what we have written before.

The New York Times

After retiring from teaching, he began working as a painter and got into house checking when customers began asking if he knew anyone to watch their home.

The New York Times

Excited cries came from the back of the store as Mrs. Frankel's brother, Shua Hecht, 24, answered the constantly ringing telephone, responding to people placing orders or checking when their Shabbos flowers would arrive.

The New York Times

Sarah Fatchett, managing director of 365 Response, the company behind the app, says: "The patient group becomes extremely agitated, because there is no way of checking when the transport provider will pick them up.

The Guardian

Mr. Lutz did not happen to be checking when Britney developed pangs of guilt for taking a train home later than she was supposed to, but the system worked just as he had hoped: she volunteered the information that evening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But he needed to do a little personal fact-checking when he recalled —"If my memory is right"— that Fister's first start was against the Yankees.

The New York Times

Zherdev had just finished serving two minutes for cross-checking when he stepped out of the penalty box behind the Rangers' defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Often, this meant ignoring Trump's aggressive attacks, or simply referring voters to her Web site for fact-checking, when a specific rebuke might have been more clarifying.

The New Yorker

Toronto forward Darcy Tucker was sent to the box for cross-checking when he whacked John Madden in the back just as play had stopped with the puck safely nestled in Martin Brodeur's glove.

The New York Times - Sports

Better check when we're in Addis.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checking when", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being checked and the specific event or action whose timing is being investigated. For example, "checking when the package will arrive" is clearer than just "checking when".

Common error

Avoid using "checking when" without specifying what is being checked. For example, instead of saying "I am checking when", provide the full context: "I am checking when the train departs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking when" primarily functions as an introductory phrase to an indirect question or clause. It sets the stage for inquiring about the specific time or moment something occurs, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "checking when" serves as a correct and common way to inquire about the timing of an event. Ludwig indicates its broad usability, supported by examples across various contexts, most notably in news, science, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "ascertaining when" or "verifying when". Remember to clearly specify what's being checked to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "checking when" is a useful and versatile phrase, as supported by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verifying when

Focuses on confirming or proving the time something occurs.

ascertaining when

Emphasizes discovering or finding out the specific time something happens.

confirming the timing of

More verbose; highlights ensuring the correct time is known.

determining when

Stresses the process of deciding or establishing the time.

finding out when

Indicates an effort to gain information about the time.

investigating when

Implies a more detailed search to establish the time.

establishing the time of

Formal phrasing; emphasizes setting or defining the time.

seeing when

Casual phrasing; indicates a simple observation of the time.

monitoring when

Focuses on observing the time that something happens.

assessing when

Implies a formal evaluation of the timing.

FAQs

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

You can use "checking when" to inquire about the timing of an event or action. For example, "I am checking when the meeting is scheduled to start", or "He's checking when the store opens".

What is a more formal alternative to "checking when"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "ascertaining when" or "verifying when", which add a level of sophistication suitable for professional contexts.

Is it okay to use "checking when" in academic writing?

While "checking when" is grammatically correct, it might sound too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative such as "determining when" or "establishing the time of" for a more appropriate tone.

What's the difference between "checking when" and "seeing when"?

"Checking when" implies a deliberate act of verifying information, while "seeing when" suggests simply observing or waiting to find out the time something happens. The former is more active, the latter more passive.