serve as a check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mechanism or action that provides oversight or control to prevent excess or abuse. Example: "The independent committee is designed to serve as a check on the executive's power, ensuring accountability and transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have to serve as a check.

The New Yorker

It also fails to serve as a check on an overly bubbly market.

The New York Times

Even threats to do so would serve as a check on the court.

The New York Times

Journalism has a value, a purpose — to serve as a check on power".

The New York Times

Knowles agreed that norms can serve as a check on expression of violent racism.

The Washington Post

Should prosperity smile, let me never forget the suffering I have endured to serve as a check against presumptuous hopes.

The New Yorker

Such a league would ostensibly serve as a check against autocratic role models and UN obstructionists like China and Russia.

The Guardian - Opinion

That system, officials said, would allow each contracting officer to serve as a check on the others.

The New York Times

If nothing else, van Gaal's humbled exit might — might — serve as a check for Mourinho if he gets the job.

The New York Times - Sports

In theory, a board should serve as a check on a "cowboy CEO," as one executive puts it.

Harvard Business Review

Well, because the democracy is built on their ability to serve as a check on government power.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serve as a check" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is providing oversight or control to prevent excessive or inappropriate behavior. It's suitable in contexts where accountability and transparency are important.

Common error

While generally versatile, avoid using "serve as a check" excessively in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "keep in check" or "monitor" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a check" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing oversight or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serve as a check" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its use as a mechanism for providing oversight or control, ensuring accountability and transparency. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. While generally versatile, consider the context to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives include phrases such as "act as a restraint" and "provide oversight", offering similar meanings with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a restraint

Emphasizes the act of holding something back or limiting its progress.

function as a control

Highlights the role of maintaining order or regulation.

operate as a curb

Implies reducing or restricting something, similar to reining in.

work as a regulator

Focuses on adjusting or maintaining a desired level or standard.

provide oversight

Stresses the supervision and monitoring aspect.

offer a counterbalance

Indicates an opposing force that maintains equilibrium.

ensure accountability

Highlights the responsibility and transparency aspect.

impose limitations

Emphasizes setting boundaries and restrictions.

administer oversight

Stresses the activity of keeping a close watch over something or someone.

exercise control

Highlights the power to direct or influence behavior or events.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a check" in a sentence?

You can use "serve as a check" to indicate that something or someone provides oversight or control. For example, "The independent committee is designed to "serve as a check" on the executive's power".

What are some alternatives to "serve as a check"?

Alternatives include phrases like "act as a restraint", "function as a control", or "provide oversight", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "serving as a check" instead of "serve as a check"?

"Serving as a check" is grammatically correct but has a different nuance. "Serving as a check" implies an ongoing action, while ""serve as a check"" describes a purpose or function.

What's the difference between "serve as a check" and "keep in check"?

"Serve as a check" implies a more formal or structural role in providing oversight. "Keep in check" is more general and can refer to any method of controlling or limiting something.