English Reference

Phrasal verb

check through

Definition

phrasal verb. to look at something carefully from beginning to end to find mistakes or check if it is correct.

phrasal verb. to examine a document or a collection of items thoroughly to verify accuracy or completeness. Transitive and often implies a systematic, start-to-finish process.

Examples

“Please check through your homework before you give it to me.”

“Before submitting the final report, the manager asked the intern to check through the data for any inconsistencies.”

“The legal team spent several hours checking through the contract's fine print to ensure no clauses had been overlooked during the negotiation phase.”

Examples

simple

“Please check through your homework before you give it to me.”

contextual

“Before submitting the final report, the manager asked the intern to check through the data for any inconsistencies.”

complex

“The legal team spent several hours checking through the contract's fine print to ensure no clauses had been overlooked during the negotiation phase.”

Usage

usually followed by a document, list, or set of items.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'check' (general) and 'scan' (quick); 'check through' implies a more methodical, start-to-finish inspection.

Pitfall

I checked through the mistake.

I checked through the report for mistakes.

the object should be the document or collection being examined, not the error itself.

Phrasal verb

Particles

through

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

check + through + object

Synonyms

examineinspectgo overreview

Antonyms

ignoreoverlookskim

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference