check

An action to make sure something is correct, safe, or working properly.

• The car needs a safety check.
• We do regular checks on the water supply.
• A quick check showed that all the windows were closed.

How to use it: check on something (We carried out a check on the heating system.)

Similar words: inspection, examination

Common phrases: safety check, quick check, routine check, check on something

A limit or control that prevents something from growing or getting worse.

• She kept her anger in check.
• The new rules put a check on spending.
• Regular exercise helps keep my weight in check.

How to use it: keep/hold something in check (The medicine kept the pain in check.); a check on something (These rules provide a check on government power.)

Similar words: control, restraint, limit

Common phrases: in check, keep in check, check on something, check on power

A list showing how much you must pay for food and drinks at a restaurant.

• Can we have the check, please?
• We split the check after dinner.
• The waiter brought our check to the table.

Similar words: bill

Common phrases: the check, split the check, pay the check

A signed piece of paper telling a bank to pay someone money from your account.

• He paid by check.
• I wrote a check for the rent.
• Can I deposit these checks today?

How to use it: check for + amount (She sent a check for fifty dollars.)

Similar words: cheque

Common phrases: write a check, cash a check, personal check

In "reality check," an experience that makes you see the facts and think more realistically.

• I needed a reality check.
• The first defeat gave our team a reality check.
• Seeing the cost of rent was a useful reality check.

Similar words: wake-up call

Common phrases: reality check, a reality check

To look at or examine something to make sure it is correct, safe, or working properly.

• Check your answer again.
• I checked my email this morning.
• Have you checked that all the lights are off?

How to use it: check that… (Check that the door is locked.); check whether/if… (I checked whether the train was on time.); check something for something (She checked the essay for mistakes.)

Similar words: examine, inspect, verify

Common phrases: check something, check your email, check for errors, check the time

In "check out," to look at something or visit a place because it seems interesting.

• Check out this video!
• We checked out the shops near our hotel.
• Have you checked out her new website?

How to use it: check something out / check out something (We checked out the new café.); check it/them out (Those shoes look great; check them out.)

Similar words: look at, take a look at

Common phrases: check something out, check out something

To put a small mark beside an answer or inside a box to select it.

• Check the box beside your answer.
• She checked two options on the form.
• Have you checked the box to receive updates?

Similar words: tick, mark

Common phrases: check the box, check an option, check an answer