to check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to check" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to look over/verify something, or to express that you are doing an inspection. For example: "Let me just check to make sure the batter is cooked before I serve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Click to check out.

The New York Times - Tech

"Just to check".

The New Yorker

to check.

Harvard University

Something to check out.

The New York Times

Easy to check.

The New York Times

Nobody bothered to check.

The New York Times - Science

I'll have to check".

The New York Times

Need to check inventory?

The New York Times - Tech

To check or not to check?

The New York Times

So phone to check.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

incentives, to check-in.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "to check" to prompt the reader to verify a step or component, ensuring accuracy.

Common error

While "to check" is versatile, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Replace it with synonyms like "to verify", "to inspect", or "to examine" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to check" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, from inspecting items to verifying information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to check" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies the act of verifying, inspecting, or ensuring accuracy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a broad range of contexts. While its neutral register makes it widely applicable, being mindful of more formal synonyms can enhance the sophistication of your writing. With examples spanning news media, wikis, and academic sources, "to check" remains a staple in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to verify

Focuses specifically on confirming the truth or accuracy of something, often with formal implications.

to inspect

Implies a detailed examination, usually for quality or compliance purposes.

to examine

A more general term for looking at something carefully, applicable in many contexts.

to look into

Suggests starting an investigation or inquiry to understand something better.

to investigate

More formal and thorough than "to look into", often involving a structured process.

to confirm

Specifically aims to establish certainty about something, reducing doubt.

to validate

Focuses on proving that something is sound, correct, or legitimate.

to assess

Involves evaluating the nature, ability, or quality of something.

to review

Implies a formal examination of something with the intention of making changes if necessary.

to monitor

Involves ongoing observation and supervision to ensure something is working as expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "to check" to indicate verification or inspection, such as, "I need "to check the data" for accuracy" or "Remember "to check the oil" level regularly".

What are some alternatives to "to check"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to verify", "to inspect", or "to examine" instead of "to check".

Is it correct to say "check to see" instead of "to check"?

While "check to see" is common, "to check" is more concise and often preferable. For example, instead of "Check to see if the door is locked", you can simply say "To check if the door is locked".

What's the difference between "to check" and "to control"?

"To check" primarily means to verify or inspect, while "to control" means to have power over something. For example, "To check the results" implies verifying them, whereas "to control the process" means to manage it.