spot check

USAGE SUMMARY

"spot check" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that means to inspect something quickly to check for quality or to ensure something is adequate. Example sentence: The supervisor did a spot check on the employees' work to make sure it was up to standard.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Now Mr. O'Malia wants to go further, saying the agency should create a "random spot check".

The New York Times

Any violations detected in an unannounced spot check would jeopardize a hospital's accreditation, Dr. O'Leary said.

The New York Times - Science

"Ukad did not try to test me, instead this was an administrative spot check.

The Guardian - Sport

But in July 2000, this new machine's films also flunked a spot check.

The New York Times

But then, three months ago, I was caught on a spot check on a motorway".

The Guardian

And a spot check of Ms. Helms's survey found it overstated the differences in pharmacy prices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

However, the safety agency does some spot-check testing.

The New York Times

(See table for examples of my spot-check survey).

The New York Times - Health

Security guards with metal-detecting wands would interrupt class to spot-check boys.

The New Yorker

The Department of Buildings does not spot-check for fire hazards in buildings.

The New York Times

A spot-check found that one in six had given false information to immigration inspectors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spot check" when you need to convey a quick and often unannounced inspection done to ensure standards are met or to catch errors. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "spot check" when a thorough and comprehensive inspection is required. "Spot check" implies a limited and superficial examination, not an in-depth analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spot check" functions primarily as a noun referring to a brief or random inspection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a verb, meaning to inspect something quickly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spot check" is a versatile phrase, functioning as both a noun and a verb, to describe a quick, often unannounced, inspection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and general contexts, for purposes of compliance assessment and issue identification. While it maintains a neutral tone, its use in professional settings lends it a degree of formality. When using "spot check", remember it implies a limited examination, not a comprehensive analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random inspection

Focuses on the unplanned and unpredictable nature of the check.

cursory examination

Emphasizes the brief and superficial nature of the examination.

sample inspection

Highlights the use of a sample, rather than a full review.

quick review

Stresses the speed and brevity of the assessment.

brief assessment

Underscores the limited scope and duration of the assessment.

selective audit

Implies a targeted, rather than comprehensive, audit process.

routine check

Indicates a standard and regularly performed examination.

compliance review

Focuses on ensuring adherence to regulations or standards.

on-the-spot assessment

Highlights that the assessment is happening immediately.

verification test

Focuses on the purpose of the check, which is to verify something.

FAQs

How to use "spot check" in a sentence?

"Spot check" can be used as a noun or a verb. For example, "The auditor performed a "spot check" of the accounts" (noun), or "They "spot check" the rooms periodically" (verb).

What can I say instead of "spot check"?

You can use alternatives like "random inspection", "cursory examination", or "sample inspection" depending on the context.

Is "spot-check" or "spot check" correct?

"Spot check" is generally used as two words, especially as a noun. "Spot-check" can be used as a verb or adjective. For example: "spot check" (noun) or "spot-check" (verb).

What's the difference between "spot check" and "audit"?

A ""spot check"" is a quick, often unannounced, inspection. An "audit" is a more thorough and systematic examination of records or accounts.