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."
inseparable
check up on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To investigate or monitor someone or something to ensure they are behaving correctly or everything is in order.
In plain English
To go and see what someone is doing, often because you want to make sure they are doing the right thing.
What does "check up on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "check up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children employees progress facts work story
How to conjugate "check up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "check up on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "check up on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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