check up on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To go and see what someone is doing, often because you want to make sure they are doing the right thing.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To monitor or investigate a person to ensure they are behaving as expected or are safe.
"My parents used to check up on me every hour when I was babysitting my little sister."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To verify the accuracy or truthfulness of information or a claim.
"The journalist spent two weeks checking up on the company's financial records."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can sound slightly accusatory or distrustful when used about adults, but is neutral when referring to children or tasks. Parents, managers, and authorities commonly 'check up on' those in their care or employ.
Commonly used with
children employees progress facts work story
Forms
Base
check up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
checks up on
he/she/it
Past simple
checked up on
yesterday
Past participle
checked up on
have + pp
-ing form
checking up on
continuous
Understand "check up on" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "check up on" on Looplines