checked: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral. Common in everyday, business, academic, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “checked” mean?
The past tense and past participle of 'check', meaning to examine, verify, or inspect something for accuracy, condition, or suitability.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of 'check', meaning to examine, verify, or inspect something for accuracy, condition, or suitability.
Also describes a pattern of squares, typically alternating colors (like a checkerboard), or a state of being restrained or halted (e.g., 'checked by regulations'). In aviation, a 'checked baggage' is luggage accepted for transport.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., cheque/check). The patterned adjective ('checked shirt') is common in both. Verb usage is identical.
Connotations
In the UK, 'checked' as a pattern might be slightly more associated with traditional/country attire (e.g., checked tweed). In the US, it's broadly used for any similar pattern.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects for the verb form. The pattern sense is common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “checked” in a Sentence
[NP] checked [NP] (for something)[NP] checked that-clause[NP] checked whether/if-clause[NP] checked [with NP][NP] checked [into NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “checked” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She checked the tyre pressure before the long journey.
- Have you checked whether the train is running on time?
American English
- He checked the oil level in his truck.
- The manager checked that all safety protocols were followed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The auditor checked all the financial statements for discrepancies.
Academic
The researcher checked her data against the control group's results.
Everyday
I checked the oven to make sure I'd turned it off.
Technical
The system automatically checked the integrity of the downloaded files.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “checked”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “checked”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “checked”
- Using 'controlled' when 'verified' is meant (e.g., 'I checked the answers' not 'I controlled the answers'). Incorrect preposition: 'check something' not 'check at something'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-ed' to the base 'check'.
'Checked' implies a one-time or periodic verification or inspection. 'Controlled' implies ongoing management, command, or regulation of a process or system.
Yes, primarily to describe a pattern of squares (e.g., a checked blanket) or in fixed phrases like 'checked baggage'.
Common patterns are: 'check something' (direct object), 'check for something' (look for its presence), 'check on something/someone' (monitor condition), 'check with someone' (consult), 'check into a place' (register on arrival).
The past tense and past participle of 'check', meaning to examine, verify, or inspect something for accuracy, condition, or suitability.
Checked is usually neutral. common in everyday, business, academic, and technical contexts. in register.
Checked: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɛkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɛkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “checked and balanced”
- “checked out (mentally disengaged)”
- “checked in (registered/arrived)”
- “checked off (marked as completed)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'checklist' – you have 'checked' items off the list after verifying them.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERIFICATION IS PHYSICAL INSPECTION (e.g., 'checked over', 'checked out'). CONTROL IS RESTRAINT (e.g., 'checked his anger', 'checked progress').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of patterns, what does 'checked' mean?