whether to check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether to check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision or consideration about the act of checking something. Example: "I am uncertain whether to check the report for errors before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In airports where carriers share terminals and baggage claim areas, the decision whether to check baggage tags is made jointly.

The New York Times

The Data Domain board then had to decide whether to check to see if other acquirers might express interest.

The New York Times - Tech

Until now, local law enforcement agencies had broad discretion — and widely divergent practices — on whether to check immigration status or report suspicious candidates to federal authorities.

The New York Times

Debating whether to check out "Alcatraz," the time-traveling crime drama on Fox that drew mixed notices for its premiere episodes last week?

The New York Times

The United States Supreme Court, in a 1975 case, ruled that immigration officers can include racial or ethnic identity among factors in deciding whether to check someone's right to be in the country.

The New York Times

I wouldn't say they inform my reviews, but they might be one factor that helps guide me when I'm deciding whether to check out a place I haven't heard very much about.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At many points during the course, students asked whether I wanted to check their name cards.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Determine whether you need to check any bags.

WikiHow

A confirmation prompt will appear asking whether you want to check the drivers for digital signatures.

WikiHow

To check whether you have been successful in extracting it properly type in To check whether you have been successful in extracting it properly type in.

WikiHow

He sniffs the ovens to check whether anything is burning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whether to check", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being checked and why. Providing this clarity enhances the readability and comprehension of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "whether to check" without specifying what needs to be checked. A vague reference can confuse the reader and diminish the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether to check" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a decision point or contemplation regarding the action of checking something. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it indicates a choice or consideration about verifying something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whether to check" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for expressing the act of deciding or considering if something should be verified or inspected. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for a broad range of writing scenarios. While not overwhelmingly frequent, it appears commonly enough in diverse sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and wikis, solidifying its place in standard English usage. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what needs checking to avoid ambiguity and maximize impact. It's important to determine whether to check this wrap-up content for accuracy and completeness!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if one should verify

Replaces "whether" with "if" and uses "one should" for a more formal tone.

if verification is needed

Focuses on the necessity of verification rather than the act of checking.

if an inspection is warranted

Uses "inspection" instead of "check", implying a more thorough examination.

the need to examine

Shifts the focus to the necessity of examining something.

if it's necessary to inspect

Emphasizes the necessity of the inspection.

if it is advisable to review

Suggests a review is optional.

considering an audit

Implies a more formal and structured review.

contemplating a validation

Focuses on the act of validating something.

determining the necessity of confirmation

Highlights the confirmation aspect of checking.

assessing if scrutiny is required

Focuses on the act of scrutinizing something

FAQs

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

Use "whether to check" when expressing a decision or consideration about verifying something. For example, "The supervisor needs to decide whether to check the employee's work." Consider also using the phrase in conjunction with another phrase or clause, such as, "We need to determine whether to check for errors or proceed with the launch."

What are some alternatives to "whether to check"?

Alternatives include phrases like "if one should verify", "if verification is needed", or "if an inspection is warranted", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what needs to be checked when using "whether to check"?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating what needs to be checked improves clarity and avoids ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "They debated whether to check", specify "They debated whether to check the inventory levels".

What's the difference between "whether to check" and "if I should verify"?

"Whether to check" is a more direct phrase used to express a decision, while "if I should verify" introduces a conditional element, suggesting uncertainty or contingency. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis on decision-making versus conditionality.