check up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Follow up to make sure someone or something is okay
Why “up”? You bring the whole thing into view, then judge its value.
“I called to check up on Dad.”
“The nurse checked up on the patient.”
Don't confuse with
Check up on means follow up because someone may need care. Check on means make a quick safety check.
Test yourself
“I called to check up on Dad.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
check on
A contrast learners often mix up
Make sure someone or something is safe or all right
add up
Same up pattern: checking
Combine into a larger total; Make sense or seem true
size up
Same up pattern: checking
Form an opinion about a person or situation
weigh up
Same up pattern: checking
Carefully consider the pros and cons of something
check in
Same base verb: check
Register at a hotel, airport or event; Hand over luggage to be loaded onto a plane; Briefly contact someone to update them
check off
Same base verb: check
Mark items on a list as done or counted
check out
Same base verb: check
Leave a hotel after paying; Look at or examine
check over
Same base verb: check
Examine something carefully to look for errors or faults
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