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."
inseparable
check up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To verify facts or information, or to conduct a medical examination.
In plain English
To make sure that something is true or correct, or to go to the doctor for a general health examination.
What does "check up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To 'check' something 'up' — to investigate it thoroughly, as if pulling information to the surface.
Actually means
To make sure that something is true or correct, or to go to the doctor for a general health examination.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "check up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
facts information story health doctor details
How to conjugate "check up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "check up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "check up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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