Language Research

check · verb

/tʃek/Full view

check (EXAMINE)

A2 I or T to examine something to make sure it is correct or the way it should be

Dictionary examples:

Always check your oil, water and tyres before taking your car on a long trip.

I always check (that) I've shut the windows before I leave the house.

After I'd finished the exam, I checked my answers for mistakes.

The doctor will call next week to check on your progress.

Learner example:

I think I left it in your bedroom. Can you check, please? (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

check (FIND OUT)

B1 I or T to find out about something

Dictionary examples:

I rang them yesterday to check when they were arriving.

If you're near the garage, could you check whether the car's ready?

Learner example:

I called the company to check whether I really had won the jackpot. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Japanese)

check (ASK)

B2 I to ask someone for permission to do something

Dictionary example:

I'd like to stay overnight, but I need to check with my parents.

Learner example:

I'll be there at 4.00 the next day which will be the 5th. Would you check with your neighbours again, please? (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

check in

B1 to go to the desk at an airport, so that you can be told where you will be sitting and so that your bags can be put on the aircraft

Dictionary example:

Passengers are requested to check in two hours before the flight.

Learner example:

I had to check in at 2.15 pm. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

check in/check into sth

B1 to say who you are when you arrive at a hotel so that you can be given a key for your room

Dictionary example:

Please would you check in at the reception desk and sign your name in the book.

Learner example:

We checked in at the hotel and we all went to bed early that night. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

check (up) on sth

C1 to try to discover how something is progressing or whether someone is doing what they should be doing

Dictionary example:

My boss is always checking up on me.

check out

B1 to leave a hotel after paying and returning your room key

Dictionary example:

We checked out of/from our hotel at 5 a.m. to catch a 7 a.m. flight.

Learner example:

[On] the last day we decided to stay in the hotel because we had to check out at noon. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

check sth out or check out sth (INFORMATION)

C1 to examine something or get more information about it in order to be certain that it is true, safe, or suitable

Dictionary example:

We'll need to check out his story.

Learner example:

Can you please check it out and let me know who caused such a[n] awful mistake. (Skills for Life (Level 2); C1; Slovak)

check sth out or check out sth (GO TO SEE)

C1 to go to a place in order to see what it is like

Dictionary example:

Let's check out that new dance club.

Learner example:

If cooking is not your favourite task or you enjoy eating out, check out the college cant[een]. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

check · noun C

/tʃek/

check

B1 an examination of something in order to make certain that it is correct or the way it should be

Dictionary examples:

The soldiers gave their equipment a final check before setting off.

We do safety checks on all our electrical equipment.

Security checks have become really strict at the airport.

Learner example:

I have to do some medical checks [on] my dog because I think it is very sick and may have a problem [with its] throat. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)