What are the definitions of “check off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Mark something on a list as done.
She CHECKED OFF the candidates' names as they arrived.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “check off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb check off is to mark something on a list as completed or done. It is often used when talking about tasks, items, or names on a list that have been finished or dealt with.
What are the different verb forms of “check off”?
| Root Verb | check off |
| Third Person Singular Present | checks off |
| Present Participle | checking off |
| Simple Past | checked off |
| Past Participle | checked off |
Example
Before leaving the house, I always check off the items on my to-do list.
Example
He checks off each task as he completes it.
Example
She is checking off the items on her shopping list.
Example
Yesterday, they checked off all the names on the attendance list.
Example
The completed tasks have been checked off on the project plan.
What kind of phrasal verb is “check off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“check off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She checked off the items on her list.
Example
He checked the names off as they arrived.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“check off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She checked off the items on her list.
Example
He checked the names off as they arrived.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “check off”?
Good things to know
Does “check off” have an informal or formal tone?
Check off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in business or academic environments.
