check off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “check off” mean?
To mark an item on a list as completed or verified.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To mark an item on a list as completed or verified.
To systematically confirm completion of tasks or items; to indicate that something has been dealt with or accounted for.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'check off' similarly. British English may occasionally use 'tick off' with the same meaning, though 'tick off' can also mean 'to reprimand'.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more common in American workplace contexts.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “check off” in a Sentence
check off [item] on [list]check [item] offcheck off that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “check off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you tick off the items as they arrive?
- She checked the names off the register one by one.
American English
- Check off the boxes next to the items you need.
- He checked off 'call mum' from his to-do list.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in project management and task delegation. 'Please check off each completed milestone on the tracker.'
Academic
Used in research methodology for literature reviews or data verification. 'The researcher checked off each cited source.'
Everyday
Used with shopping lists, to-do lists, and personal goals. 'I love checking off items on my grocery list.'
Technical
Used in software for task management features (e.g., checkboxes). 'The user interface allows you to check off completed steps.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “check off”
- Using 'check off' without an object (e.g., 'I need to check off.' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'checkout' (one word) which is a noun.
- Using it for non-list contexts (e.g., 'check off the door' is wrong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can say 'check off the item' or 'check the item off'. Both are correct.
'Check' means to examine or verify. 'Check off' specifically means to mark as verified or completed on a list.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. E.g., 'checking off a life goal' or mentally checking off steps in a process.
In the context of lists, often yes (especially in British English). However, 'tick off' can also mean 'to annoy or reprimand someone', so context is key.
To mark an item on a list as completed or verified.
Check off is usually neutral to informal in register.
Check off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Check it off your bucket list.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a checklist with boxes. When you CHECK something, you look at it. When you CHECK it OFF, you put a mark (✓ or X) to show it's finished. OFF the list it goes!
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETION IS A PHYSICAL MARK ON A LIST.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'check off' correctly?