double check
HighNeutral to formal. Common in professional, technical, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To verify something by examining it a second time to ensure correctness.
An instance of carefully verifying information or details to prevent error, or the act of performing such verification. Used as both a verb and a noun.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, methodical second look. Stronger than simply 'checking', it carries an expectation of thoroughness and error-avoidance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Hyphenation varies: more common as verb 'double-check' (with hyphen) in US style guides; often written as two words ('double check') in UK, especially as a noun. Both forms appear in both regions.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (I'll double-check the calculations.)SV (I need to double-check.)SVO that-clause (She double-checked that the door was locked.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Better safe than sorry (related concept)”
- “Measure twice, cut once (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Essential before finalising reports, budgets, or sending client communications.
Academic
Used regarding proofreading research, verifying citations, or confirming experimental data.
Everyday
Common for confirming appointments, addresses, or travel arrangements.
Technical
Crucial in programming (code review), engineering (safety protocols), and aviation (pre-flight checks).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please double check the train timetable before we leave.
- I always double-check my calculations to avoid mistakes.
American English
- Make sure to double-check the spelling on that document.
- The pilot will double-check all the instruments before takeoff.
adverb
British English
- It is checked double-check against the master list.
adjective
British English
- We need to do a double-check procedure on these financial records.
American English
- This is a double-check system designed to catch any errors in data entry.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Double-check your bag before you go to school.
- I double-check the time of my lesson.
- Could you double-check the address on this envelope for me?
- It's a good idea to double-check your answers at the end of an exam.
- The accountant insisted on double-checking all the invoices before finalising the quarterly report.
- As a safety precaution, the technician performed a double-check of the electrical connections.
- The protocol mandates an independent double-check of all patient data prior to administering the medication.
- Despite the initial analysis, the researcher decided to double-check her hypothesis against the newly available datasets.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a goalkeeper checking BOTH goalposts (double) before the game – performing a DOUBLE CHECK to be secure.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCURACY IS SECURITY / CAREFULNESS IS A LAYERED PROCESS (adding a second layer of verification).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a literal translation like 'двойной чек' which refers to a payment cheque. Use 'перепроверить' (verb) or 'перепроверка' (noun).
- Do not confuse with 'recheck' (проверить снова), which is simpler; 'double-check' implies a more systematic second verification.
Common Mistakes
- Writing it as one word: 'doublecheck' (incorrect).
- Using it redundantly: 'I double-checked and verified it.' (choose one).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'double-check' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly found with a hyphen when used as a verb ('double-check the results'), especially in American English. The noun form is often written as two words ('perform a double check'). Both forms are widely accepted.
'Check' is the initial examination. 'Double-check' explicitly means to examine a second time, usually more carefully, to eliminate errors that might have been missed in the first check.
Yes. For example: 'As a final double-check, we compared the two lists.'
Yes, it is used informally for an extra level of verification, but 'double-check' is the standard, established term. 'Triple-check' emphasizes an extreme or exceptional level of caution.