1 A2 neutral
To put a mark next to an item on a list to show it has been completed or confirmed.
"She checked off each ingredient on the recipe as she added it to the bowl."
separable
check off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To mark an item on a list as done or verified.
In plain English
To make a little tick or checkmark next to something on a list to show that it is finished.
What does "check off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To accomplish or complete something, especially as part of a broader set of goals.
"Visiting the Grand Canyon was the last item he needed to check off his travel bucket list."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place a check (mark) 'off' beside an item — marking it as dealt with and set aside.
Actually means
To make a little tick or checkmark next to something on a list to show that it is finished.
Usage tip
Common in both literal (paper lists) and figurative (mental lists, goals) contexts. In American English, 'check off' is strongly preferred over 'tick off' for this meaning. Often used with 'list,' 'box,' or 'task.'
Words that pair with "check off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
list task item box goal requirement
How to conjugate "check off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
check off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
checks off
he/she/it
Past simple
checked off
yesterday
Past participle
checked off
have + pp
-ing form
checking off
continuous
Hear "check off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "check off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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