English Reference
phrasal verb

check in

phr.v.

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    to show your ticket or passport and get your room key or boarding pass.

    to register one's arrival at a hotel, airport, or clinic. Intransitive or transitive with 'at'.

    Simple

    We need to check in at the hotel before we go out for dinner.

    In context

    Passengers are advised to check in at least three hours before their international flight to allow sufficient time for security screenings.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    to talk to someone to see if they are okay or to tell them where you are.

    to make contact with someone to provide an update or to monitor their status. Often used with the preposition 'with'.

    Simple

    I'll check in with you tomorrow morning to see how the project is going.

    In context

    The social worker promised to check in with the family twice a week to ensure the recovery process was proceeding as planned.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    to save a new version of your work into a shared computer system.

    to commit or upload updated files to a central repository in a version control system.

    Simple

    Don't forget to check in your code before you leave for the weekend.

    In context

    The lead developer requested that all team members check in their final revisions by midnight to prepare for the morning deployment.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    to tap your travel card on a reader when you start a journey.

    to validate a smartcard or ticket at the start of a journey on public transport. Common in European contexts.

    Simple

    You must check in with your card at the yellow post before getting on the train.

    In context

    Commuters who fail to check in at the station entrance may be liable for a fine even if they possess a valid monthly pass.

    tap intouch in
Teaching tip

Contrast 'check in' (register arrival) with 'check out' (register departure) and 'check on' (inquire about someone's well-being).

Particles
in
Separability
separable
Pattern
check + (object) + in
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated