check
A1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
To examine or verify something to ensure correctness, accuracy, or condition.
A broad term covering verification, restraint, stopping, a pattern of squares, a bill in a restaurant, a mark (✓), and a move in chess.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word's meanings are highly polysemous but often relate to the core ideas of verification or stopping/restraint. Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'check' is not typically used for a restaurant bill (UK: 'bill'); 'cheque' is the spelling for the banking instrument. In US English, 'check' covers both the restaurant bill and the banking instrument.
Connotations
Similar core connotations of verification. The 'pattern of squares' meaning is equally common. The 'restraint' meaning (e.g., 'hold in check') is slightly more formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties. The verb meaning 'to verify' is likely the most common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
check (sth)check that/whether/if...check on sb/sthcheck with sbcheck into sthcheck sth for sthcheck sth against sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “check in (to a hotel)”
- “check out (of a hotel/investigate)”
- “hold/keep in check”
- “check off (a list)”
- “a check on power”
- “check up on someone”
- “take a rain check”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in audits ('check the figures'), processes ('quality check'), and meetings ('check with the team').
Academic
Used for verifying sources ('check the references') and methodological rigor ('check for bias').
Everyday
Ubiquitous for verifying facts, time, messages, or the state of something ('check if it's raining').
Technical
In computing ('checksum', 'check disk'), engineering ('safety check'), and chess ('check the king').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The mechanic gave the car a thorough check.
- He wrote a cheque for the amount.
- The castle was a check on the king's power.
American English
- Give the document a final check for errors.
- I'll pay with a check.
- The system of checks and balances.
verb
British English
- Could you check the tyre pressure?
- I need to check with my manager first.
- Check the door is locked.
American English
- Check the tire pressure before you go.
- Let me check my calendar.
- Check to see if the mail came.
adjective
British English
- She wore a check shirt to the picnic.
American English
- He has a checkered past.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Check your bag for the keys.
- I like your check shirt.
- The teacher will check our homework.
- Please check that all the windows are closed.
- The doctor will run some routine checks.
- The new law acts as a check on corporate power.
- We must check the data against the original source for discrepancies.
- His ambition was held in check by a sense of propriety.
- The software performs an automatic spell check.
- The auditor's remit was to check the company's accounts for any irregularities.
- The sudden news checked his enthusiasm momentarily.
- The treaty placed a significant check on the proliferation of certain weapons.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher with a CHECKlist, putting a CHECK mark (✓) in each CHECKered square as they CHECK the homework.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERIFICATION IS PHYSICAL INSPECTION (e.g., 'look into it'); CONTROL/RESTRAINT IS HOLDING BACK (e.g., 'keep in check').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'check' as 'чек' (receipt/bill) in all contexts. Use 'проверять' for the main verb meaning.
- The noun 'check' (pattern) is 'клетка' or 'клетчатый рисунок', not related to verification.
- In chess, 'check' is 'шах', which is a homograph but unrelated etymologically.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'control' instead of 'check' for simple verification ('I will control the schedule' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'check in' (arrive/register) with 'check out' (leave/investigate).
- Using 'check' as a noun for a UK restaurant bill (UK: 'Can I have the bill, please?').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'check' used to mean 'stop or restrain'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Check' primarily means to examine or verify. 'Control' means to command, direct, or regulate. You check a list (look at it), but you control a process (manage it).
It is neutral and used in all registers. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'verify', 'examine', or 'inspect' might be preferred, but 'check' is never incorrect.
It's a historical usage from when bills were verified or 'checked' against orders. The term became standard in US English, while UK English retained 'bill' for this context.
'Check on' the baby (see if okay). 'Check with' your boss (get confirmation from). 'Check into' a hotel (register). 'Check for' errors (look for). 'Check against' the original (compare to).
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