we checked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we checked out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you have examined or investigated something, or to refer to leaving a place, such as a hotel or library. Example: "After spending a few hours at the library, we checked out several books to take home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

We checked out, paying $65.

The New York Times - Travel

"We checked out Newt, on his income.

The New York Times

Tired and bedraggled, we checked out the leaderboard.

The Guardian - Travel

Leaving, we checked out a price tag on a Treacy hat: $850.

The New York Times

All seemed fine, but when we checked out we were handed a €468 bill.

The Guardian - Money

As a service, we checked out glassware at several prominent stores.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

For more dispatches from WE, check out WE Stories.

Huffington Post

"What say we check out that new oyster place in Portsmouth?" Sterne said.

The New Yorker

"Just a minute while we check out a few things," a uniformed man told us.

The New York Times

Why didn't we check out his connections with Libya properly?

The Guardian

Next we check out another lab where crime lab analyst Mary Ruth McMahan is extracting some DNA from bone for RFLP.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we checked out" to mean 'examined,' ensure the context clarifies what was being examined. For instance, "We checked out the new software features" provides more clarity than just "We checked out."

Common error

Avoid using "we checked out" without context. It can be confusing if it's unclear whether you mean 'examined' something or 'left a location'. Clarify the meaning to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we checked out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'check' with the particle 'out' to create a new meaning, either to examine something or to leave a location. Ludwig confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we checked out" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: to examine or investigate something, and to leave a location. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity between these two meanings. Alternatives like "we examined" or "we left" can provide clarity depending on the intended meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for various communications, though its use to describe departing a location leans towards informality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we examined

Focuses on a detailed inspection or investigation, shifting from a casual look to a more thorough one.

we investigated

Implies a systematic or formal inquiry, suggesting a more in-depth exploration of the subject.

we inspected

Suggests a careful and critical observation, often with the aim of identifying flaws or issues.

we scrutinized

Emphasizes a very close and detailed examination, often implying a skeptical or critical approach.

we looked at

A more general alternative, simply indicating a visual or cursory examination.

we departed from

Specifically refers to leaving a location, similar to the "checked out" meaning in a hotel context.

we left

A simpler way to express leaving a place, without the formal connotation of "checking out".

we vacated

Implies emptying or leaving a space, often used in the context of hotels or residences.

we settled the bill

Focuses on the act of paying and finalizing expenses before leaving a place.

we paid our dues

Similar to settling the bill, it can refer to finalizing obligations before departure.

FAQs

What does "we checked out" mean?

The phrase "we checked out" can mean either that you examined something, or that you left a place like a hotel or library.

What can I say instead of "we checked out" when leaving a hotel?

You could say "we departed", "we left", or "we vacated" depending on the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we checked out"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that you either examined something or departed from a location. Ensure the context clarifies which meaning is intended.

Is "we checked out of" the same as "we checked out"?

Not always. "We checked out of" specifically refers to leaving a place, such as a hotel. "We checked out" can also mean that you examined or investigated something.