English Profile

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 tires before taking your car on a long trip.

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

I finished the exam then I checked my answers for mistakes.

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 called them yesterday to check when they will arrive.

Would you check if the cake is ready when the timer rings?

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 neighbors again, please? (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

check (MARK)

A1 T to put a mark by something written to show it is correct or has been done

Dictionary example:

Check the words you hear on the recording.

check in

B1 to go to the counter 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 must 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:

Check in at the reception desk when you arrive.

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 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:

Go and check it out: 1st Avenue, Ipanema. "PIANTELLA RESTAURANT." It is one of the most sop[h]isticated restaurants in Rio. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

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.

check · noun C

/tʃek/

check (MONEY)

A2 C a piece of paper printed with information about your bank account that you use instead of money to pay for things

Dictionary examples:

I still pay many of my bills by check.

I wrote her a check to cover the airfare.

I need to stop by the bank and deposit/cash my check.

Learner example:

I'll send you a check tomorrow morning. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

check (MARK)

A2 a mark (✓) put by something written to show it is correct or has been done

Dictionary example:

Put a check by the names of the people mentioned in the story.

check (REQUEST FOR PAYMENT)

A2 a piece of paper given to you at a restaurant that shows how much you must pay for what you ate and drank

Dictionary examples:

"Would you like anything else?" "No, just the check, please."

I asked for the check.

Did the waiter bring the check yet?

Learner example:

I pa[i]d the check and [quickly] left that restaurant. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

check (EXAMINATION)

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

Dictionary examples:

We gave our diving 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)