CHECK OFF

National Parks

📖 Definition

"Check off" means to mark items on a list to indicate they have been considered or completed. It is used when organizing or verifying tasks.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

"Check off" means to mark items on a list to indicate they have been considered or completed. It is used when organizing or verifying tasks.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between 'check' and 'off' (e.g., check it off).
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object (e.g., check off the items).

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple check off I check off each completed assignment on my list.
Past Simple checked off She checked off all the tasks before leaving the office.
Present Continuous checking off They are checking off the grocery items as they shop.
Present Perfect have checked off We have checked off everything needed for the trip.

💡 When to Use

Organizing tasks
Use when you are organizing tasks or items that need to be completed, often in written lists.
Example: "I made a to-do list to check off everything before the deadline."
Verifying correctness
Use to indicate verification of items in a list, ensuring nothing is overlooked or missed.
Example: "Make sure to check off all invoices for accuracy."
Project management
Employed in project management to ensure key milestones are achieved and documented.
Example: "Our manager insists we check off each phase of the project."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Word order
❌ Wrong: Off check the list.
✅ Correct: Check off the list.
💡 Tip: Remember that 'check off' should precede the object.
Omitting object
❌ Wrong: Check off during the meeting.
✅ Correct: Check off the points during the meeting.
💡 Tip: Always specify what you are checking off.
Wrong tense
❌ Wrong: Checks off yesterday.
✅ Correct: Checked off yesterday.
💡 Tip: Match the tense of 'check off' with the time frame.
Practice

CHECK OFF - 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

tick off mark off

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before the meeting, ensure you ___ all agenda items."

off check
check off
checking of
checked on

"As life unfolds, we must check off each lesson learned, ensuring wisdom accompanies every dream we dare chase."

In Context

In August 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Before the speech, King meticulously prepared his notes, checking off every important point he wanted to cover. This speech was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, summoning a crowd of approximately 250,000 protesters during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. King and his team, throughout the planning, had countless tasks to check off to ensure the event's success, from coordination with other civil rights leaders to the logistics of housing and feeding the attendees. Despite numerous challenges, such as ensuring security and gaining media attention, King and his organizers meticulously checked off their agenda items, paving the way for a peaceful yet powerful assembly. On the day of the march, as King spoke of his dream of racial equality and justice, each listener felt the culmination of those carefully checked off tasks. His speech not only dreamt of a better future but also evidenced the power of organized, strategic planning that leaves no detail unchecked. The success of the march was cemented by its thorough planning and execution, proving that checking off every preparatory task can lead to monumental changes in society.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Check Off

What is the origin of check off?

+
The phrasal verb 'check off' originated from the concept of marking items on a list as completed or verified. It evolved from larger phrases like 'check something off a list,' reflecting the growing influence of organizational practices in everyday language by the early 20th century.

Can check off be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Check off' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it’s used during meetings or projects to indicate verification, while informally, it applies to daily errands. Its neutral register makes it appropriate across different contexts.

What is the difference between check off and tick off?

+
'Check off' and 'tick off' are similar; both mean to mark items as complete. However, 'tick off' is more commonly used in British English, while 'check off' tends to be favored in American English. Both achieve the same outcome when managing lists.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

cross offfinish upcompletewrap uptick off
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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