check up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To make sure that something is true or correct, or to go to the doctor for a general health examination.
Literal meaning: To 'check' something 'up' — to investigate it thoroughly, as if pulling information to the surface.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To investigate or verify a piece of information to make sure it is correct.
"I wasn't sure about the departure time, so I checked up before leaving home."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To have or give a general medical or dental examination (often as the noun 'check-up').
"The dentist recommends that patients check up every six months to catch problems early."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often appears as the noun compound 'check-up' (a medical or dental examination). As a verb phrase, it is most common in the sense of verifying information. Often paired with 'on' when a target is specified.
Commonly used with
facts information story health doctor details
Forms
Base
check up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
checks up
he/she/it
Past simple
checked up
yesterday
Past participle
checked up
have + pp
-ing form
checking up
continuous
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