1 A2 neutral
To briefly visit or contact someone to see if they are safe, well, or in need of help.
"Could you check on the kids while I finish cooking dinner?"
inseparable
check on
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To look at or visit someone or something briefly to see if everything is okay.
In plain English
To quickly go and see if someone or something is alright.
What does "check on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To briefly inspect something to see if it is progressing correctly or is in good condition.
"I went to check on the bread and it had already turned golden brown."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cast a 'check' (look) 'on' someone or something — to turn one's attention briefly to them.
Actually means
To quickly go and see if someone or something is alright.
Usage tip
Commonly used for checking on children, patients, food cooking in the oven, or any situation where you want to confirm safety or progress. Gentle and caring in tone, unlike 'check up on,' which can feel more surveillance-like.
Words that pair with "check on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
baby patient dinner progress children elderly
How to conjugate "check on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
check on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
checks on
he/she/it
Past simple
checked on
yesterday
Past participle
checked on
have + pp
-ing form
checking on
continuous
Hear "check on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "check on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.