Phrasal verb
check over
Meanings
to examine something quickly but carefully to find mistakes, missing details, or problems
to briefly inspect something (such as a room, bag, or item) to make sure everything is in order
Definition
To check over something means to look at it carefully to find mistakes or problems.
To check over something is to review it carefully, usually to make sure it is correct, complete, or working properly. People often check over documents, work, plans, or equipment before they are finished or used. It suggests a careful look, but not always a very deep or formal inspection.
Examples
- I’ll check over the email one more time before I send it.
- Can you check over my homework for any small mistakes?
- She checked over the equipment before the presentation started.
- They checked over the guest list to be sure no one was missing.
- He checked over his suitcase to confirm his passport was inside.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "check over" with "check in" or "check out" and use it for arriving or leaving instead of reviewing something.
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.