Phrasal verb
check up
Meanings
to examine or verify something to make sure it is correct or true
to visit or contact someone to see how they are doing or to make sure they are safe
Definition
To check up means to examine or verify that something is correct or true.
To check up means to look at something carefully to make sure it is correct, true, or in good condition. You can check up on information, work, or a situation, or check up on a person to see how they are doing. It often implies confirming details rather than just taking them for granted.
Examples
- I need to check up on the dates before I send the invitation.
- Can you check up on your little brother while I finish dinner?
- She checked up on the hotel reservation and noticed the wrong room type.
- They checked up on their neighbor after the storm knocked out the power.
Common mistake
Learners often say "check up" without "on" when they mean to verify or visit (correct: "check up on the details" / "check up on him").
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.