CHECK OVER

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📖 Definition

To 'check over' means to examine something carefully to ensure everything is correct or satisfactory. It involves a thorough review to identify potential errors or issues.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'check over' means to examine something carefully to ensure everything is correct or satisfactory. It involves a thorough review to identify potential errors or issues.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
'Check over' can be split with the object between 'check' and 'over,' such as 'check the report over.'
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Neutral
Used in both casual and professional contexts, suitable for a broad audience.
Transitive
Yes
'Check over' requires a direct object to specify what is being examined.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple check over I always check over my work before submission.
Past Simple checked over She checked over the document twice.
Present Continuous checking over They are checking over the plans right now.
Present Perfect have checked over We have checked over all the inventory lists.

💡 When to Use

After a task is completed
Use 'check over' to review completed work for errors or needed changes, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Example: "After writing your essay, check over it for spelling mistakes."
Before final approval
Before giving final approval, people often check over materials to verify everything is accurate and satisfactory.
Example: "Please check over the contract before signing it."
To ensure safety or functionality
Use 'check over' when reviewing equipment or systems to ensure they operate correctly without issues.
Example: "The technician will check over the machine to ensure it’s safe to use."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using as intransitive
❌ Wrong: He checked over without finding any errors.
✅ Correct: He checked over the report without finding any errors.
💡 Tip: Remember 'check over' needs an object to specify what is being checked.
Confusing separable use
❌ Wrong: She over checked the details.
✅ Correct: She checked the details over.
💡 Tip: Remember 'check' and 'over' should be placed around the object.
Using wrong tense
❌ Wrong: He is check over the list.
✅ Correct: He is checking over the list.
💡 Tip: Ensure correct tense agreement with 'checking over' in continuous form.

"To truly grow, one must often check over the past, learn, and adapt to ensure a brighter future."

In Context

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was deep in his quest to develop the telephone. During his experiments, he would frequently check over the schematics and notes late into the night. Bell's persistence was driven by his belief that sound could be transmitted over a wire. As he checked over each connection and component, he discovered a crucial mistake with the transmitter. Collaborating with his assistant, Thomas Watson, they worked tirelessly, checking over every detail, until March 10 when history was made. Bell's famous words, "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you," transmitted perfectly. Watson, in another room, heard the words distinctly. The invention garnered immediate attention. At a public exhibition in 1878, Bell demonstrated his device to international acclaim. The press was captivated, but skeptical experts were invited to check over Bell's work. With each successful demonstration, doubts were dispelled. Eventually, Bell Telephone Company was established, revolutionizing communication. Through his meticulous process of checking over every detail, Bell ensured the telephone would become a pivotal technology, changing the world forever.

Practice

CHECK OVER - 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

  • 1
    Listen to example

    Before the meeting, I'll check over all the figures to ensure accuracy.

    How to Become a Hiker
  • 2
    Listen to example

    Marie carefully checked over the experiment data before publishing results.

    How to Become a Hiker
  • 3
    Listen to example

    While packing, Jack checked over the list to ensure nothing was forgotten.

    How to Become a Hiker

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

review examine

Antonyms

overlook

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before submitting your report, always ___ it to avoid mistakes."

overlook
check over
discard
ignore

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Check Over

What is the origin of check over?

+
The phrase 'check over' likely evolved from the general use of 'check' in the English language, which has been used since the 14th century. 'Check' implies an inspection or verification, and 'over' suggests a thoroughness, combining to mean a comprehensive review.

Can check over be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Check over' is versatile and can be utilized in both formal and informal settings. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for academic, professional, and casual discourse, allowing it to fit naturally within various communication styles.

What is the difference between check over and review?

+
'Check over' implies a close, detailed inspection, usually to ensure accuracy, while 'review' is broader, often involving overall assessment or re-examination. 'Check over' is more specific, often used to catch errors, whereas 'review' can imply general understanding.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

phrasal-verb-look-overphrasal-verb-go-overphrasal-verb-run-throughphrasal-verb-scan-throughphrasal-verb-reviewphrasal-verb-look-into
Browse National Parks Phrasal Verbs
Hub 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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