CHECK ON

National Parks

📖 Definition

To examine or verify the status, condition, or progress of someone or something. Often used to ensure everything is okay or running smoothly.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To examine or verify the status, condition, or progress of someone or something. Often used to ensure everything is okay or running smoothly.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can say 'check on it' or 'check it on'
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Neutral
Used in both informal and formal contexts
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object, e.g., 'check on the progress.'

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple check on I check on my plants every morning.
Past Simple checked on She checked on her brother last night.
Present Continuous checking on They are checking on the project timelines.
Present Perfect have checked on We have checked on the new policies.

💡 When to Use

Monitoring someone's condition
Use when you need to ensure someone's well-being or condition is fine, often in healthcare or daily caregiving.
Example: "Please check on the children while they play outside."
Verifying progress
Utilize this when assessing the progress or status of an ongoing task or project.
Example: "The manager will check on the team's progress later."
Confirming security
Employ in contexts where security or safety checks are necessary, such as checking a location or equipment.
Example: "At night, the guard checks on the building."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of phrasal verb
❌ Wrong: He on checked the project.
✅ Correct: He checked on the project.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'check on' is never split by an object.
Incorrect use of tense
❌ Wrong: I am check on the patient.
✅ Correct: I am checking on the patient.
💡 Tip: Use correct tense forms: 'checking on' for present continuous.
Misuse with intransitive format
❌ Wrong: Can you check?
✅ Correct: Can you check on this?
💡 Tip: Always follow 'check on' with an object.
Practice

CHECK ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

look into monitor

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Please ___ the baby's temperature every hour to ensure she feels okay."

check out
check on
check up
check through

"Regularly take time to check on your own thoughts and feelings, as true wisdom starts with understanding oneself fully."

In Context

In the early 1800s, Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing, embarked on a mission that would forever change healthcare. During the Crimean War, Nightingale experienced a pivotal moment when British troops were suffering from appalling conditions in military hospitals. Nightingale took it upon herself to repeatedly check on the medical facilities. Despite the risks, she checked on the hospitals tirelessly, instituting hygiene practices that saved countless lives. Her nightly rounds earned her the nickname 'The Lady with the Lamp' as she moved through wards with a lantern to check on the condition of her patients. Her dedication and innovative approach reduced the death rate from 42% to 2%. After the war, Nightingale continued her efforts to reform medical practices back home. She checked on nursing practices in Britain, leading to the establishment of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in London. The legacy of her work still echoes in the professional training of nurses today. Nightingale's unyielding commitment to checking on, understanding, and improving healthcare systems paved the way for a new era in medical care, forever altering the landscape of public health around the world.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Check On

What is the origin of check on?

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The phrase 'check on' originates from the Old English word 'chec' meaning to inspect or verify. It gained its current form as English evolved, combining 'check' with 'on' to specifically denote the act of verifying or inspecting someone's condition or progress over time.

Can check on be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'check on' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it can imply monitoring progress or status updates. In informal settings, it often references casual acts of care like checking on a friend or neighbor.

What is the difference between check on and monitor?

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While 'check on' implies an occasional verification or brief inspection, 'monitor' suggests continuous or regular observation over a period. For instance, 'checking on' a patient refers to periodic visits, while 'monitoring' could involve continuous data collection or surveillance.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

pick up onlook onwatch outcall itcarry on
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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