Phrasal verb
check by
Meanings
to verify or confirm something using a particular method, source, or reference
Definition
To check by means to verify something by looking at or comparing it with a particular source.
To check by something means to confirm that information is correct using a specific method, document, or reference point. It often appears in instructions or explanations about how you verified a detail. You can check by asking someone, using an ID, looking at a list, or comparing with records.
Examples
- I’ll check by email and let you know this afternoon.
- Can you check by looking at the calendar on the wall?
- She checked by calling the hotel directly before she booked.
- They checked by comparing the two photos side by side.
Common mistake
Learners often omit the method after "check by" (wrong: "I checked by"), but it needs a source or action (e.g., "check by calling").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.