Phrasal verb
check out
To check out means to look at something or someone to learn more or show interest.
Meanings
to look at or examine someone or something with interest; to investigate or explore
to leave a hotel and return your key, pay, or complete the process of leaving
to borrow something from a library or similar place by officially recording it
Definition
When you check out something, you examine it or explore it to see what it is like. You can check out a place, a website, an idea, or a person you find interesting. It often suggests curiosity and a quick evaluation before deciding what to do next.
Examples
- I want to check out that new café after work.
- You should check out this short video when you have time.
- He stopped to check out the strange noise coming from the garage.
- She decided to check out of the hotel early and catch an earlier train.
- They went to the library to check out a few cookbooks for the weekend.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “check out” (leave a hotel) with “check in” (arrive and register).
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.