SpeakUp

Grammar fix

check up on

monitor or verify

To find out if someone is doing what they should be doing, or to make sure something is true or correct.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • My manager likes to check up on us to make sure we're meeting our deadlines.daily life
  • In my opinion, parents should check up on their children's online activities to keep them safe.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: check up on + noun/pronoun

WrongLet me check up her.

RightLet me check up on her.

'Check up ON someone'.

Patterncheck up on + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I shall verify whether she is fulfilling her obligations.

Natural I just wanted to check up on her.

'Verify whether she is fulfilling obligations' is surveillance-formal; 'check up on her' is warm and natural.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • check up on
    onherthe kidsregularly

Don't confuse it

'Check up on' is about making sure someone is doing what they should, while 'check on' is more about seeing if someone is alright.

Try it in Daily Speak →