checks

USAGE SUMMARY

"checks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a printed or written order for money or payment, or you can use it as a verb to refer to the act of examining something in order to make sure that it is correct. Example sentence: I'm sending in my rent check this week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has used the many attacks on him – not least from the European commission – to justify what critics correctly see as a comprehensive attempt to undermine checks and balances, and remake the entire country in the image of one political party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Investigators were searching in dense forest and farmland with abandoned buildings, as well as using road blocks and conducting house-to-house checks.

The Guardian

Other heavily criticised initiatives were the introduction of spot checks in London tube stations.

The Guardian

But they have adapted and understand the need for proper checks.

The Guardian

The inspectors also said Britain's own checks at abattoirs were unsatisfactory and there was a risk that UK government inspectors were being pressurised by their managers and owners to give higher hygiene scores than were warranted.

The Guardian

The US and the EU share one characteristic: they are, in the jargon of political science, "mixed regimes", with a strong separation of powers and numerous checks and balances.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it has major consequences: pPluralism and all that follows from it – the idea of a legitimate opposition, checks and balances, reasonable compromise – is anathema to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president conceded that while he was confident the necessary system of checks and balances was in place, the public might not fully be aware of this.

The Guardian

When asked, the DfE says it is strengthening checks on academy conversions, and keeping these processes under review.

The Guardian

Professor Newman, director of the Monash University Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology told Guardian Australia she had "very serious concerns" about the measures being introduced and the lack of checks and balances that appear to have been established.

The Guardian

I reckon that, with the waiting time and security checks at airports, it's actually faster than flying.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying the type of "checks" being performed, such as security "checks", background "checks", or quality "checks".

Common error

While both terms relate to payment, "checks" is the standard spelling in American English, whereas "cheques" is typically used in British English. Always use the spelling appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "checks" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple instances of verification, examination, or control mechanisms. It can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'check'. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from security "checks" to financial "checks".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "checks" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a plural noun, signifying verifications, examinations, or control mechanisms. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including security, finance, and quality assurance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While synonyms like "verifications" and "inspections" exist, "checks" offers a widely understood and accessible alternative. Therefore, understanding the specific context is critical to using the word effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

double-checks

Implies a repeated or secondary verification for added assurance.

verifications

Focuses on the act of confirming or substantiating something.

inspections

Emphasizes a detailed examination to ensure standards are met.

examinations

Highlights a formal or methodical investigation.

controls

Refers to mechanisms or systems put in place for regulation.

audits

Suggests a systematic review of records or accounts.

assessments

Implies an evaluation or judgment of quality or value.

investigations

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. to establish the truth.

screenings

Refers to a preliminary examination to identify potential issues.

safeguards

Emphasizes protective measures or mechanisms.

FAQs

How can I use "checks" in a sentence?

You can use "checks" as a noun to refer to examinations or verifications, as in "security checks at the airport were thorough." You can also use it as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "check", as in "he checks the data regularly."

What are some synonyms for "checks" in the context of verification?

In the context of verification, synonyms for "checks" include "verifications", "inspections", or "examinations", depending on the level of detail and formality required.

Is it correct to say "do checks" or "perform checks"?

Both "do checks" and "perform checks" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Perform checks" is slightly more formal, while "do checks" is more casual.

What's the difference between "checks" and "controls"?

"Checks" generally refer to specific actions taken to verify something, while "controls" are broader systems or mechanisms implemented to regulate or manage something. For example, quality "checks" ensure products meet standards, while internal "controls" are in place to prevent fraud.