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Grammar fix

check on

to look at someone or something to make sure everything is all right

to see or ask if someone or something is okay, especially to make sure there are no problems.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I called my neighbor to check on her after I heard about the storm.daily life
  • In my opinion, it's important to check on elderly relatives regularly to make sure they're safe and comfortable.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: check on + noun/pronoun

WrongI'll check on to the dinner.

RightI'll check on the dinner.

'Check on something' — no 'to'.

Patterncheck on + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I went to verify that the children were safe and well.

Natural I went to check on the kids.

'Check on someone' is the everyday verb for making sure they're okay; 'verify that they were safe and well' is stiff.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • check on + person/thing
    the kidsthe dinneryour mumthings

Don't confuse it

'Check' alone can mean to look at something briefly or to examine it, but 'check on' means to make sure everything is fine or as expected.

Try it in Daily Speak →