# check over

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/check-over
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to inspect for errors

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to look at something carefully to find any mistakes or problems.

For teachers: to examine something thoroughly in order to verify its accuracy, condition, or completeness.

- You should check over your essay for spelling mistakes before you hand it in.
- The supervisor asked the junior accountant to check over the quarterly figures one last time to ensure no discrepancies remained before the audit.

Usage: This is a separable phrasal verb; the object can sit between 'check' and 'over'.

### 2. an inspection

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a quick look at something to make sure it is okay.

For teachers: a brief or systematic inspection intended to identify errors or confirm quality.

- The mechanic gave the car a quick check over before our long road trip.
- After the final rehearsal, the stage manager gave the props a thorough check over to confirm everything was in its proper place.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'give', as in 'give something a check over'.

Teaching tip: While the verb is common, the noun form is more frequent in British English and informal speech.

## Examples

- Please check over your work before you hand it in.
- The mechanic needs to check over the car before we go on our long road trip.
- The legal team spent several hours checking over the contract to ensure no clauses had been altered during the final negotiations.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: contrast with 'check' (general) and 'check out' (to investigate or look at something interesting); 'check over' emphasizes the search for mistakes or faults.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.