What are the definitions of “check by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Visit a place to check something.
We CHECKED BY the office to see if the stuff was ready.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “check by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb check by is to visit a place to check something or to make sure that everything is in order. It often implies a quick visit to ensure that everything is as expected.
What are the different verb forms of “check by”?
| Root Verb | check by |
| Third Person Singular Present | checks by |
| Present Participle | checking by |
| Simple Past | checked by |
| Past Participle | checked by |
Example
I will check by the store to see if they have the item in stock.
Example
She checks by the bakery every morning to buy fresh bread.
Example
He is checking by the office to pick up some documents.
Example
Yesterday, they checked by the construction site to monitor the progress.
Example
The manager had checked by the warehouse before the shipment arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “check by”?
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 by” 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
I checked by the store to see if they had my order ready.
Example
She checked by the bakery to buy fresh bread.
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 by” 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
I checked by the store to see if they had my order ready.
Example
She checked by the bakery to buy fresh bread.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “check by”?
Check by phone
To make a phone call to verify information or ensure that everything is in order.
Example
I checked by phone to confirm the meeting time.
Check by email
To send an email to verify information or ensure that everything is in order.
Example
She checked by email to ask about the project deadline.
Check by text
To send a text message to verify information or ensure that everything is in order.
Example
He checked by text to see if his friend was coming to the party.
Good things to know
Does “check by” have an informal or formal tone?
Check by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the context.
