he was checking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was checking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is in the process of verifying or examining something. Example: "He was checking the documents for any errors before submitting them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Especially if he was checking out anyway".

The New York Times

"He was checking it all out".

The Guardian

He was checking out the competition.

The New York Times

"He was checking out if I was legitimate".

The New Yorker

"He said he was checking on an Albanian home.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was checking that you're O.K.," she said.

The New Yorker

He wasn't checking the time; he was checking his email.

The Guardian - Tech

But, as Webber said, he was checking Shaq.

The New York Times - Sports

But instead he was checking the American football scores.

The Guardian - Film

But there he was, checking in with the White House when Fox didn't.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Burke said he was checking the government's Web site, www.healthcare.gov, for information every week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was checking", ensure the context clearly indicates what he was checking and why. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he was checking" without providing specific details about what was being checked. Replace vague uses with more descriptive verbs or phrases to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was checking" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an ongoing action in the past, indicating that someone was in the process of verifying, examining, or inspecting something. For instance, "He was checking his email."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was checking" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing action of verification, inspection, or examination in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase can be adapted to various levels of formality based on context. To enhance clarity, always specify what "he" was checking. Consider related phrases like "he was verifying" or "he was inspecting" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was verifying

Replaces 'checking' with 'verifying', implying a focus on confirming accuracy.

he was inspecting

Substitutes 'checking' with 'inspecting', suggesting a detailed examination.

he was examining

Uses 'examining' instead of 'checking', indicating a closer, more analytical look.

he was scrutinizing

Replaces 'checking' with 'scrutinizing', emphasizing a critical and thorough review.

he was monitoring

Employs 'monitoring' instead of 'checking', implying continuous observation over time.

he was assessing

Substitutes 'checking' with 'assessing', suggesting an evaluation of something's quality or value.

he was reviewing

Uses 'reviewing' instead of 'checking', indicating a formal re-examination.

he was looking into

Replaces 'checking' with 'looking into', suggesting an investigation or inquiry.

he was keeping an eye on

Employs 'keeping an eye on' instead of 'checking', implying a watchful oversight.

he was making sure of

Substitutes 'checking' with 'making sure of', suggesting an effort to confirm certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "he was checking" in a sentence?

Use "he was checking" to describe someone in the process of verifying, inspecting, or examining something. For example, "He was checking the document for errors before submitting it."

What are some alternatives to "he was checking"?

You can use alternatives like "he was verifying", "he was inspecting", or "he was examining" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "he was checking"?

It's appropriate when describing someone actively engaged in the process of verifying, inspecting, or examining something to ensure its accuracy, functionality, or condition.

What's the difference between "he was checking" and "he was investigating"?

"He was checking" implies a routine or specific task of verification, whereas "he was investigating" suggests a more in-depth inquiry into a problem or situation.