check out
B2Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To investigate, verify, or examine something; also, to settle one's bill and leave a hotel.
To look at or investigate with interest; to be proven true or valid; to settle accounts and depart; (slang) to die.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This phrasal verb is separable (e.g., 'check it out'). The meaning shifts significantly based on context: from literal departure (hotel) to metaphorical investigation or verification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Check out' for leaving a hotel is universal. 'Check something out' (to investigate) is slightly more informal and common in AmE, but fully established in BrE.
Connotations
In both, 'check out' as 'to die' is informal/slang. As a command ('Check this out!'), it is casual and attention-seeking.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English across all meanings, particularly the 'investigate/look at' sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] check out [OBJ][SUBJ] check [OBJ] out[SUBJ] check out of [PLACE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Check it out!”
- “check out the scene”
- “check out mentally (to become inattentive)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly 'We need to check out their new software before deciding.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Used informally: 'Check out the references in this paper.'
Everyday
Very common: investigating things, leaving accommodation.
Technical
In computing: 'check out code' (to get a copy from a repository).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We should check out that new boutique in Covent Garden.
- Guests must check out by 11 a.m.
American English
- You gotta check out this new TikTok trend.
- I'll check out of the motel after breakfast.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Not used.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Not used.)
adjective
British English
- The checked-out library books are due next week. (Note: hyphenated compound adjective)
- He had a checked-out, distant look in his eyes. (informal)
American English
- She was totally checked-out during the meeting. (disengaged)
- The checked-out equipment must be returned.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please check out at the front desk.
- Check out my new bike!
- I heard a strange noise, so I went to check it out.
- Let's check out the reviews before booking the hotel.
- His alibi didn't check out, so the police grew suspicious.
- She mentally checked out of the boring lecture.
- The journalist spent weeks checking out the source's claims for veracity.
- After a long battle with illness, he quietly checked out.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine checking a book OUT of a library. You first EXAMINE it, then you TAKE IT and LEAVE. This captures the two main meanings: investigate and depart.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / INVESTIGATING ('check out that view'). COMPLETING A PROCESS IS LEAVING A PLACE ('check out of the hotel').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'вычекать' (non-existent). For 'investigate', use 'проверить', 'ознакомиться'. For hotel departure, use 'освободить номер', 'выписаться'. Confusion with single word 'check' (чек, проверка).
Common Mistakes
- *I checked out the hotel. (Ambiguous: did you leave it or inspect it?) Better: 'I checked out of the hotel' or 'I checked the hotel out.'
- Using in overly formal writing.
- Incorrect separation: *'I checked out it.' Correct: 'I checked it out.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'check out' mean 'to be confirmed as true'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal to neutral. The 'investigate' meaning is informal. The hotel departure meaning is standard neutral. Avoid in very formal academic or business prose.
Yes, informally. 'Check him out' means 'look at him' (often with interest). 'He checked out' is slang for 'he died'. 'She's checked out' means she is mentally disengaged.
'Check' is to verify quickly (check the time). 'Check out' implies a more involved inspection or process (check out a book, check out a rumour). 'Check out' also has the specific 'depart' meaning.
It is 'checked out' (e.g., 'Yesterday I checked out that book'). 'Check outed' is never correct.
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