check in — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

check in

1register on arrival 2contact someone briefly

Meaning 1 · most common

register on arrival

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 “register on arrival”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)

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Next meaning: contact someone briefly

Meaning 2

contact someone briefly

check in with sb
informal

To contact someone for a short time to see how they are or to give a quick update.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I like to check in with my parents every weekend.

A: Hey, just checking in—how's your new job going?
B: Thanks for asking! It's going really well so far.

Common mistake

Not: I wanted to check in you.

Say: I wanted to check in with you.

'Check IN WITH someone' — don't drop 'with'.

More on “contact someone briefly”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I think it's important to check in with your friends regularly, especially if they live far away.

Tell it apart

I'll check in with you next week.

briefly touch base

I'll check up on you next week.

make sure you're okay — can sound like monitoring

Goes with

check in (with)

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