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Meaning trap

check in

contact someone briefly

To contact someone for a short time to see how they are or to give a quick update.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

contact someone briefly

To contact someone for a short time to see how they are or to give a quick update.

check in (register on arrival)

Another meaning of 'check in' is 'register on arrival'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I like to check in with my parents every weekend.relationships
  • I think it's important to check in with your friends regularly, especially if they live far away.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: check in (with someone)

WrongI wanted to check in you.

RightI wanted to check in with you.

'Check IN WITH someone' — don't drop 'with'.

Patterncheck in (with someone)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I am contacting you briefly to ascertain how you are feeling.

Natural Just checking in to see how you're doing.

'Check in (with someone)' is the natural casual verb for a quick touch-base; the paraphrase is robotic.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • check in (with)
    with youon youreal quicklater

Don't confuse it

'Check in' is more about keeping in touch, while 'check on' is about making sure someone is okay.

Try it in Daily Speak →