What are the definitions of “check in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Register on arriving at a hotel or at the airport.
They CHECKED IN at the Ritz yesterday.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “check in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb check in is to register or sign in when arriving at a hotel, airport, or other places where you need to confirm your presence. For example, when you arrive at a hotel, you go to the reception desk to check in and get your room key.
What are the different verb forms of “check in”?
| Root Verb | check in |
| Third Person Singular Present | checks in |
| Present Participle | checking in |
| Simple Past | checked in |
| Past Participle | checked in |
Example
Please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Example
She checks in at the hotel before going to her room.
Example
He is checking in at the airport for his flight.
Example
They checked in at the conference center yesterday.
Example
We had already checked in when we realized we left our passports in the taxi.
What kind of phrasal verb is “check in”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“check in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We need to check in before 3 pm.
Example
She checked in at the airport two hours before her flight.
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 in” 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
We need to check in before 3 pm.
Example
She checked in at the airport two hours before her flight.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “check in”?
Check-in time
The specific time when guests are allowed to register and access their accommodations at a hotel or other lodging.
Example
The hotel's check-in time is 2 pm, but they might let us in early if our room is ready.
Check-in counter
The place at an airport where passengers register for their flights and drop off their luggage.
Example
Please proceed to the check-in counter to get your boarding pass and drop off your bags.
Online check-in
The process of confirming your presence on a flight via the internet, usually through the airline's website or app.
Example
I completed the online check-in and got my boarding pass on my phone.
Good things to know
Does “check in” have an informal or formal tone?
Check in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business travel or official events.
