Cool MateCheck this out vs Watch this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check this out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Watch this
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Watch this
| Check this out | Watch this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒtʃ ðɪs//🇺🇸 //wɑtʃ ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Look at this. | Look at this. |
| Example | Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! | Watch this amazing performance by the dancers. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | check this out now, check this out later, let's check this out, you should check this out, make sure to check this out | watch closely, watch carefully, watch intently |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'check out this' - remember to use the exact phrase., Used too formally in business contexts - stick to casual conversations. | Using without making it clear what to watch., Assuming it's always a command; can be a suggestion., Confusing with 'Watch that' which is more specific. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used among friends or in casual settings. Avoid in formal situations. It expresses excitement or interest in sharing something. | Used to attract someone's attention to something. Suitable in most casual to formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Watch this
What's the difference between Check this out and Watch this?
Check this out: Look at this. Watch this: Look at this.
Which is more formal: Check this out and Watch this?
Watch this is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Check this out: Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! Watch this: Watch this amazing performance by the dancers.
Can I use Check this out and Watch this interchangeably?
Not always. Check this out and Watch this 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.