sanity check

USAGE SUMMARY

"sanity check" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the process of double-checking something, usually facts, information, or decisions, in order to ensure accuracy and consistency. For example, "Let's do a sanity check on the budget projections before submitting the final report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The provided tests should serve as a sanity check.

University of California, Berkeley

"In the toughest of times, he is always there to give us a sanity check".

The New Yorker

He described his wife Samantha as his "sanity check" during the election campaign.

Independent

For a process sold as a "sanity check", it was quite maddening.

The Economist

As engineers, one is required to put pen to paper, and at least do a sanity check.

Troubleshooting Switching Power Converters A Hands-on Guide

As a sanity check, please check your original sequence in the output page.

Princeton University

I just wanted a sanity check to make sure I wasn't missing something.

Yale University

Sanity check: If you've used the reduction keyword correctly, you shouldn't have a critical section anymore.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And talk to locals to sanity-check your route.

The New York Times - Travel

filename = filepath + "/spks" filename = filepath + "/vars" # Note: does not sanity-check that requested cell ID < numcells!

Yale University

The only sanity-check remaining in the administration appears to be Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sanity check" when you need a quick, informal verification of something to catch obvious errors or inconsistencies before moving forward.

Common error

Don't assume a "sanity check" replaces thorough testing or analysis. It's a preliminary step, not a comprehensive validation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sanity check" is as a noun phrase, often used attributively to modify another noun, such as "sanity check procedure". Ludwig provides examples showing its use to denote a preliminary evaluation for basic correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

29%

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sanity check" is a common noun phrase used to describe a preliminary assessment for catching obvious errors or inconsistencies. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's frequently found in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, remember it’s a first-pass verification, not a replacement for thorough analysis. Consider using more formal alternatives like "validation test" or "verification step" in professional settings. Authoritative sources such as Forbes and The New York Times utilize this phrase, showing its acceptance across diverse communication channels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reality check

Emphasizes ensuring something aligns with reality or practical considerations, adding a slightly stronger connotation of potential delusion or misjudgment than the original phrase.

sense check

This alternative emphasizes the importance of ensuring that something is logical and reasonable. It is slightly less formal than "sanity check".

validation test

Focuses on the act of confirming the correctness or accuracy of something, especially in a technical or scientific context. It is more formal and precise.

reasonableness test

Highlights assessing whether something is logical and sensible, often used in legal or ethical contexts. It shifts the emphasis to the justification behind an action or decision.

soundness check

Indicates verifying the reliability or integrity of something, like a plan or argument. It is closer to ensuring stability and dependability.

verification step

Stresses the act of confirming or proving the truth of something, making it a procedural term often used in quality control and data analysis.

accuracy verification

Specifically emphasizes confirming the correctness of information, measurements, or calculations. It is highly targeted towards precision.

plausibility assessment

Focuses on evaluating the credibility or believability of something. It is more about gauging whether something seems likely or possible.

confirmation review

Highlights the importance of having a second look to verify that the procedure has been carried out properly. It is more formal and precise.

cross-validation

This alternative is a procedure of dividing the available data into two or more subsets to perform the analysis on one subset, and validate the analysis on other subset.

FAQs

How can I use "sanity check" in a sentence?

You can use "sanity check" to describe a quick assessment to ensure something is reasonable or correct. For example: "Before launching the campaign, let's do a quick sanity check of the target demographics."

What does "sanity check" mean in a technical context?

In technical fields, a "sanity check" refers to a basic test to quickly evaluate whether a system, software, or process is operating as expected. If the "sanity check" fails, more rigorous testing is required.

Is there a more formal alternative to "sanity check"?

Yes, alternatives like "validation test" or "verification step" are more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "sanity check" and "reality check"?

While both involve assessment, "sanity check" focuses on logical consistency and basic correctness, while "reality check" emphasizes aligning with actual conditions or practical constraints. The former is more about internal validity, while the latter is about external validity.