to check if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to check if" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you want to make sure that something is true or to verify something. For example, "I will go online to check if the flight is still on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another went to check if the coffee was ready.

The New Yorker

Staff are taught to check if they are being followed.

The Guardian

Taste to check if they are tender and cooked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I want to check if our house is still there.

The Guardian

"I'll have to check if I've secured my [Tour] card.

The Guardian - Sport

We need to check if (g=1).

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

To check if dyslipidemia worsens the hearing level in diabetics.

Journal of Otology

It is sufficient to check if assumption (iii) also holds.

Boundary Value Problems

Isotype controls were used to check if blocking was needed.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Want to check if her flight is on schedule?

TechCrunch

Therefore, we decided to check if tumour biological features are responsible for the difference in patients' response.

Lung Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to check if", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are verifying or confirming. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to check if" without specifying what needs to be checked. Always clarify the subject of the verification to ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to check if" functions as an introductory element to a subordinate clause. It establishes the purpose of verifying a condition or fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to ensure the truth or accuracy of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to check if" is a versatile and commonly used introductory phrase that serves to express the purpose of verifying a condition or fact. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase across various contexts, including scientific, news, and general writing. Its neutral formality makes it appropriate for diverse communication needs. When using "to check if", it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the subject of verification. Alternatives like "to determine if" or "to verify whether" can add nuance or formality to your writing. In summary, "to check if" is a reliable and effective tool for expressing the intent to confirm or validate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to see if

Uses "see" instead of "check", providing a more informal alternative.

to determine if

Replaces "check" with "determine", focusing on the act of finding something out.

to verify whether

Substitutes "check" with "verify" and "if" with "whether", offering a slightly more formal tone.

to find out if

Replaces "check" with "find out", emphasizing the process of discovery.

to confirm whether

Substitutes "check" with "confirm" and "if" with "whether", emphasizing the act of validating something.

to examine whether

Replaces "check" with "examine" and "if" with "whether", suggesting a careful inspection.

to ascertain whether

Replaces "check" with "ascertain" and "if" with "whether", making the phrase more formal.

to validate if

Substitutes "check" with "validate", focusing on confirming the accuracy or correctness.

to investigate whether

Substitutes "check" with "investigate" and "if" with "whether", suggesting a more thorough examination.

to explore if

Uses "explore" instead of "check", indicating a broader search for information.

FAQs

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

You can use "to check if" to introduce a clause that expresses a condition or verification, such as, "I need "to check if" the report has been submitted."

What are some alternatives to "to check if"?

Some alternatives include "to determine if", "to verify whether", or "to see if" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to check if" and "to check whether"?

While both "to check if" and "to check whether" are grammatically correct, "whether" is often considered more formal and precise, especially when there are more than two possible outcomes.

In what contexts is "to check if" most appropriate?

"To check if" is appropriate in various contexts, from informal conversations to more formal writing, when the goal is to verify a condition or situation. It is commonly used in scientific writing, news articles, and general instructions.