to check that

USAGE SUMMARY

"to check that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea that someone is verifying something or making sure it is true. For example: I'm going to check that the ingredients are all in the recipe before I start cooking.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We need to check that out.

The New York Times

"We have to check that tomorrow.

Independent

"But it's difficult to check that".

The Guardian - Sport

Do you know how to check that?

The New Yorker

Might be time to check that again.

The Guardian - Tech

It is trivial to check that (414).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We may have to check that….

TechCrunch

It is easy to check that is a metric.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

It is easy to check that G is well defined.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

It is also easy to check that is completely continuous.

Boundary Value Problems

It is easy to check that is compact.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to check that" when you want to verify information, confirm a fact, or ensure a condition is met. It's versatile for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, "to check that" might sound too informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "to verify that" or "to confirm that" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to check that" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It serves to indicate the purpose or reason for performing an action—namely, to verify or confirm the truth or accuracy of something. This is consistent with the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to check that" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates the intention to verify something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "to verify that" or "to confirm that" for academic or professional settings. Usage patterns indicate a high frequency in scientific and news-related content. Remember to use "to check that" when you need to ensure accuracy, and avoid overuse in contexts requiring a very formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make sure that

Replaces "check" with "make sure", providing a more casual alternative.

to verify that

Replaces "check" with "verify", offering a slightly more formal tone.

to double-check that

Adds "double-" to "check", highlighting the act of verifying again.

to confirm that

Substitutes "check" with "confirm", suggesting a desire to establish certainty.

to ensure that

Similar to "make sure", but emphasizes guaranteeing a specific outcome.

to look into that

Uses the phrasal verb "look into" instead of "check", maintaining a similar level of formality.

to validate that

Employs "validate" instead of "check", implying an effort to prove validity.

to ascertain that

Uses "ascertain" instead of "check", indicating a more thorough investigation.

to examine that

Substitutes "check" with "examine", suggesting a careful and detailed inspection.

to investigate that

Replaces "check" with "investigate", suggesting a more in-depth inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "to check that" to express the act of verifying something. For example, "I need "to check that" the door is locked before I leave".

What's the difference between "to check that" and "to ensure that"?

"To check that" implies verifying something, while "to ensure that" suggests taking steps to guarantee a specific outcome. The nuance lies in whether you're verifying or actively securing a result.

Are there any formal alternatives to "to check that"?

Yes, in formal settings, you can use alternatives like "to verify that", "to confirm that", or "to ascertain that".

When is it appropriate to use "to check that" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "to check that" in most writing situations, from informal communication to news articles. However, be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required; in very formal documents, consider using a more elevated synonym.