# check sb/sth out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/check-sb-sth-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to look at someone or something because they seem interesting or attractive; you use this when you want to examine something more closely.

For teachers: to investigate, inspect, or observe someone or something of interest; often carries an informal pragmatic force of evaluating quality or attractiveness.

## Examples

- You should check out that new café down the street.
- I need to check out the library's website to see if they have the book I want.
- Before committing to the merger, the legal team spent weeks checking out the firm's financial history to ensure no hidden debts existed.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will check out to the car." but "I will check out the car." — do not use 'to' after 'check out' when you mean to examine something; the verb takes a direct object.

## Usage notes

- the object can be a person, a place, or information; it is very common in casual conversation.
- Teaching tip: distinguish between the 'inspect' sense and the 'hotel' sense (checking out of a room); this version is highly productive in marketing and social invitations.

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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.