Cool MateCheck this out vs Listen to this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check this out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Listen to this
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Listen to thisMost common: Check this out
| Check this out | Listen to this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //ˈlɪs.ən tʊ ðɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈlɪs.ən tə ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Look at this. | Pay attention to this sound or speech. |
| Example | Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! | Listen to this recording I made. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (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 | listen to music, listen to advice, listen to the news |
| Antonyms | - | ignore, disregard |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'check out this' - remember to use the exact phrase., Used too formally in business contexts - stick to casual conversations. | Omitting 'to' (saying 'listen this'), Using incorrect tense (e.g. 'listens to this'), Confused with 'hear' vs 'listen to' |
| Usage notes | Commonly used among friends or in casual settings. Avoid in formal situations. It expresses excitement or interest in sharing something. | Used when asking someone to pay attention to something you are about to show or play. Avoid in very formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Listen to this
What's the difference between Check this out and Listen to this?
Check this out: Look at this. Listen to this: Pay attention to this sound or speech.
Which is more formal: Check this out and Listen to this?
Listen to this is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Check this out and Listen to this?
Check this out is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Check this out: Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! Listen to this: Listen to this recording I made.
Can I use Check this out and Listen to this interchangeably?
Not always. Check this out and Listen to 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.