check off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Mark items on a list as done or counted
Why “off”? A continuous line is snipped. The activity stops.
“She checked off each name as they entered.”
“He checked off the tools before leaving.”
“That's another task checked off.”
“He likes checking off small jobs first.”
Don't confuse with
Check off means mark an item as done. Check out means leave a hotel after paying.
Test yourself
“She checked off each name as they entered.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
check out
A contrast learners often mix up
Leave a hotel after paying; Look at or examine
back off
Same off pattern: stopping
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
blow off
Same off pattern: stopping
Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them
break off
Same off pattern: stopping
End a relationship, talk or activity suddenly; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; End diplomatic, business or personal contact; Take a short pause from an activity
buy off
Same off pattern: stopping
Bribe someone to stop opposing you
call off
Same off pattern: stopping
Cancel a planned event
clear off
Same off pattern: stopping
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay off a debt completely
come off
Same off pattern: stopping
Become detached from something; Happen successfully as planned; Stop taking a medicine or substance; Give a particular impression to others; Be withdrawn from sale or service
Practice “check off” in Sink In
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