Same verb · different particle

“check” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.

4 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

check

in on out up on

check + in · 1 of 4

check in

check in sth

To officially tell someone you have arrived at a hotel, airport, or event, usually by giving your details.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

We need to check in at the hotel before 3 p.m.

A: What time do we check in for our flight?
B: Usually two hours before departure.

Common mistake

Not: We checked in the hotel at noon.

Say: We checked into the hotel at noon. / We checked in at the hotel at noon.

'Check INTO / check IN AT' a place — bare 'check in the hotel' is wrong.

More on “check in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I travel for business, I always check in online to save time at the airport.

Tell it apart

We checked in at 2pm.

registered our arrival

We checked out at 11am.

paid and left

Goes with

check in (at/into)

Practice saying this

Next: check on

check + on · 2 of 4

check on

to look at someone or something to make sure everything is all right

check on sth

to see or ask if someone or something is okay, especially to make sure there are no problems.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I called my neighbor to check on her after I heard about the storm.

A: Where are you going?
B: I'm just going to check on the kids and see if they need anything.

Common mistake

Not: I'll check on to the dinner.

Say: I'll check on the dinner.

'Check on something' — no 'to'.

More on “check on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to check on elderly relatives regularly to make sure they're safe and comfortable.

Tell it apart

I'll just check on the baby.

make sure she's okay

I'll just check out the new café.

go and see what it's like

Goes with

check on + person/thing

Practice saying this

Next: check out

check + out · 3 of 4

check out

leave a hotel

check out of sth

to pay your bill and officially leave a hotel or other place you have stayed in.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

We need to check out of the hotel by 11 a.m.

A: What time do we have to check out tomorrow?
B: The front desk said noon, so we have some time.

Common mistake

Not: We checked out ~~from~~ the hotel at 10.

Say: We checked out of the hotel at 10.

'Check out OF a hotel', not 'from'.

More on “check out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my last trip, I almost forgot to check out of the hostel before catching my train.

Tell it apart

check out of the hotel

leave / settle the bill

check in at the hotel

arrive / register

Goes with

check out of

Practice saying this

Next: check up on

check + up on · 4 of 4

check up on

monitor or verify

check up on sth

To find out if someone is doing what they should be doing, or to make sure something is true or correct.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My manager likes to check up on us to make sure we're meeting our deadlines.

A: Why did you call me at work?
B: I just wanted to check up on you and see how your first day is going.

Common mistake

Not: Let me check up her.

Say: Let me check up on her.

'Check up ON someone'.

More on “check up on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, parents should check up on their children's online activities to keep them safe.

Tell it apart

check up on her

make sure she's okay / doing what she should

check out the room

inspect / take a look at it

Goes with

check up on

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “check” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “check” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

check in check on check out check up on