checks against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checks against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to verifying or comparing something with a standard, rule, or set of criteria. Example: "The software performs checks against the database to ensure data integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is in addition to routine checks against the F.B.I.'s criminal databases.

The New York Times

Counter-culturally, as checks against entrenched ways of thinking, they are an important fabric of society.

Independent

Basic checks against the bureau's roster of criminals are computerized and go quickly, officials said.

The New York Times

And the government could then write checks against that account, continuing normal operations without issuing new debt.

The New York Times

She pleaded guilty in 1995 to two criminal charges of writing bad checks against their account at the House bank.

The New York Times

After being chosen for discretion, an immigrant must pass background checks against federal criminal and national security databases.

The New York Times

Checks against the Land Registry show four BVI entities set up by Expedito Machado currently hold property in England.

The Guardian

After all, the political apparatus over which Mr Tung will preside offers wholly inadequate institutional checks against abuses of power, whether from Beijing's Communists or Hong Kong's executive.

The Economist

They are also calling for estate agents to  be made to carry out anti-money laundering checks against buyers as well as sellers of UK property.

Independent

The first stand to hit you in the eyes at the entrance displayed Brooks Brothers's vivid polo shirts and feisty gingham checks against a poster of the Hamptons.

The New York Times

Currently, less than a quarter of countries perform systematic passport checks against Interpol's database, with details of 30 million stolen or lost travel documents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "checks against", ensure clarity about what is being checked and what it is being checked against. For instance, "The system performs checks against the database for inconsistencies" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "checks against" without specifying the purpose of the check. For example, instead of saying "The software runs checks against the data", specify what the checks are for: "The software runs checks against the data to ensure compliance with regulations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checks against" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a process of verification, comparison, or safeguarding. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often used to describe the act of confirming something against a set of standards or criteria.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "checks against" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase signifying a process of verification, comparison, or safeguarding. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to science and formal business settings, emphasizing its importance in ensuring accuracy and preventing errors. While various alternatives exist, such as "verifies against" and "compares with", "checks against" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the concept of assessing something in relation to a standard or rule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verifies against

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the action of verifying something.

validates against

This implies a stronger confirmation of accuracy or correctness compared to a simple check.

compares with

This suggests a comparison process to identify similarities and differences.

screens for

This implies a filtering process to identify specific criteria or issues.

monitors for

This suggests ongoing observation to detect potential problems or deviations.

safeguards against

This alternative emphasizes protection and preventative measures.

protects from

This focuses on shielding from harm or negative effects.

guards against

This implies vigilance and readiness to prevent something undesirable.

tests for

This suggests a formal examination to determine the presence of something.

assesses in relation to

This is a broader evaluation that considers context and other factors.

FAQs

How can I use "checks against" in a sentence?

You can use "checks against" to describe a process of verification or comparison, such as "The system performs "checks against" the database for errors".

What's the difference between "checks against" and "verifies against"?

"Checks against" implies a general inspection or comparison, while "verifies against" suggests a more formal and thorough validation process.

What are some alternatives to "checks against"?

Alternatives include "compares with", "screens for", or "monitors for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "check against" instead of "checks against"?

While "check against" can be grammatically correct in some contexts (e.g. as part of an infinitive phrase like "to check against"), ""checks against"" is more commonly used to describe a routine or systematic process.