check over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediumneutral
Quick answer
What does “check over” mean?
To examine something carefully to ensure correctness or good condition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To examine something carefully to ensure correctness or good condition.
To conduct a thorough review or inspection, often with the aim of identifying errors, issues, or areas for improvement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, but American English may use 'check over' slightly more in casual speech, while British English might interchangeably use 'go over'.
Connotations
Implies diligence and attention to detail in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but not significantly so.
Grammar
How to Use “check over” in a Sentence
transitive: check over somethingtransitive: check something overVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “check over” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please check over the report before we send it off.
- The teacher asked us to check over our answers.
American English
- Can you check over the car before we hit the road?
- I always check over my resume before applying.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for reviewing reports, financial statements, or contracts before submission or approval.
Academic
Employed in proofreading essays, checking research data, or verifying references.
Everyday
Common for inspecting a car before a trip, checking homework, or looking over a shopping list.
Technical
Applied in engineering for equipment inspections, in software for code reviews, or in healthcare for patient charts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “check over”
- Using 'check over' without an object (e.g., 'I need to check over.') which is incomplete; it requires an object like 'the document'.
- Confusing 'check over' with 'check out', which often means to investigate or leave.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is separable. You can say 'check over the document' or 'check the document over', though the former is more common.
'Check over' implies a more thorough and comprehensive examination than 'check' alone, which can be quicker or less detailed.
Yes, it is acceptable in formal contexts such as business, academic, or technical writing, especially when emphasizing careful review.
Common collocations include documents, work, reports, cars, and essays—items that often require detailed inspection.
To examine something carefully to ensure correctness or good condition.
Check over: in British English it is pronounced /tʃek ˈəʊvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃek ˈoʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'check over' as visually scanning over an item like a checklist, ensuring every point is covered from top to bottom.
Conceptual Metaphor
Examination as a journey over a surface, covering all parts systematically.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'check over' mean in the sentence: 'She checked over the presentation slides.'?