Cool MateCheck it out first vs Examine
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check it out first
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Examine
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Most formal: ExamineMost common: Examine
| Check it out first | Examine | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tʃɛk ɪt aʊt fɜːst//🇺🇸 //tʃɛk ɪt aʊt fɜrst// | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Look at or examine something before deciding. | to look at something carefully to learn more about it |
| Example | Before you buy that phone, you should check it out first. | The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | check out a website, check out something new, check out the menu | carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine…, carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine… |
| Antonyms | - | ignore, overlook, neglect |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly formal contexts., Confusing with 'check it' which lacks the meaning of examining., Omitting 'it' can make the phrase unclear. | Confused with 'inspect' — 'examine' is broader than just checking for flaws., Misusing the tense — should use 'examined' for past actions, not 'examine'., Incorrect prepositions — do not say 'examine to' but 'examine for' in some contexts. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers. Avoid in formal settings. | Use 'examine' in formal contexts like academic writing or professional discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations, where 'look at' might be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check it out first vs Examine
What's the difference between Check it out first and Examine?
Check it out first: Look at or examine something before deciding. Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it
Which is more formal: Check it out first and Examine?
Examine is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Check it out first and Examine?
Examine is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Check it out first: Before you buy that phone, you should check it out first. Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up.
Can I use Check it out first and Examine interchangeably?
Not always. Check it out first and Examine are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.