uncheck

USAGE SUMMARY

'uncheck' is a valid word and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a box or check-mark that has been unticked or unchecked, such as on a form or a website. For example, "Please uncheck the box if you do not wish to receive further emails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

You can review your Facebook application settings here and change the settings within the Spotify application by clicking File > or Spotify > Preferences on Mac, or Edit > Preferences on Windows, and uncheck the box next to "Share my activity on Spotify Social" Find out more about the Spotify Play button.

Independent

Scrolling down, you'll see an option that says "Protect My Privacy" which you can either check or uncheck.

Independent

— said she didn't feel that requiring people to uncheck a box, in the name of public safety, was "such a big ask".

The New Yorker

Practically speaking, the opt-in program requires the British porn enthusiast to do little more than uncheck a box.

The New Yorker

To clear things up: People who do not want their profile information and comments used in ads must uncheck the box next to that phrase.

The New York Times

If you want to put yourself in the best position to view a meteor shower, though, uncheck all else and point the device skyward.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Instead of asking you to opt in by checking off which specific contacts you want to invite, LinkedIn requires you to opt out by unchecking the "select all" button.

The New York Times

Unchecky is a simple program that unchecks tick-boxes.

The Guardian - Tech

Unchecky unchecks all the boxes in case you miss them.

The Guardian - Tech

Some computer experts recommend unchecking applets that have been added by third-party vendors unless they provide antivirus, Internet security or encryption services.

The New York Times - Tech

When you reboot after unchecking any of the applets, Windows will display a Selective Startup mode notification.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, "uncheck" is generally acceptable and understood. However, consider "deselect" as a more formal alternative in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "uncheck" when you actually need the user to confirm something negatively. Instead of "Uncheck the box if you do not agree", use "Check the box if you do not agree" to avoid double negatives and potential confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uncheck" is as a verb, specifically a transitive verb that requires a direct object (e.g., "Uncheck the box"). Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Examples show it used instructively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "uncheck" is a common and grammatically correct verb, primarily used to instruct the removal of a checkmark from a checkbox in user interfaces. Ludwig AI confirms that "uncheck" is a valid word for use in written English. While sources from News & Media use it frequently, it also appear in Science and Formal contexts. Related phrases include "deselect" and "untick". When using "uncheck", ensure clarity by specifying the exact element to be unchecked. A common mistake involves confusing "uncheck" with negative confirmation. Top authoritative sources that use "uncheck" include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deselect

Uses a single word to indicate removing a selection.

untick

Replaces "check" with "tick", maintaining the same meaning.

clear the checkbox

Specifies the action and the object being manipulated.

remove the checkmark

Uses a more descriptive term for the action of removing a mark.

disable the selection

Focuses on deactivating the selected option.

unmark

Uses a broader term for removing a mark or indication.

take off the check

An informal way of saying to remove the check.

reverse the selection

Highlights the act of undoing the selection.

invalidate the option

Indicates that the selected option is being made ineffective.

set to false

A programming-oriented way of expressing deselection.

FAQs

How to use "uncheck" in a sentence?

You can use "uncheck" to instruct someone to remove a checkmark from a box. For example, "To disable automatic updates, "uncheck" the box labeled 'Automatically install updates'".

What can I say instead of "uncheck"?

You can use alternatives like "deselect", "untick", or "clear the checkbox" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "uncheck the box" or "uncheck the checkbox"?

Both "uncheck the box" and "uncheck the checkbox" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the context and your audience. "Checkbox" is more explicit, while "box" is a common shorthand.

What's the difference between "uncheck" and "disable"?

"Uncheck" specifically refers to removing a checkmark from a checkbox. "Disable" is a broader term meaning to make something inactive or non-functional. You would "uncheck" a checkbox to disable a feature.