Cool MateCheck vs Go shake down your gear
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Go shake down your gear
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: CheckMost common: Check
| Check | Go shake down your gear | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ʃeɪk daʊn jɔː ɡɪə//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ʃeɪk daʊn jʊr ɡɪr// |
| Meaning | To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. | Check and adjust your equipment. |
| Example | Please check your answers before submitting the test. | Before we leave for the trip, go shake down your gear. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | always, daily, periodically, had better, must, need to, against, for, with, be worth checking, check to see if, check to see whether, always, daily, periodically, had better, must, need to, against, for, with, be worth checking, check to see if, check to see whether, simply, mentally, off | gear check, shake down process, equipment setup, prepare gear, gear adjustment |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'cheque' in British English., Using 'check' as a noun without proper context., Incorrectly conjugating 'check' in the past tense. | Confused with 'shake off' which means to get rid of something., Using 'gear' incorrectly; it usually refers to equipment., Misunderstanding 'shake down' as only a robbery action. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts such as checking information, verifying facts, or inspecting items. Avoid using in very formal writing; instead, opt for 'verify' or 'inspect.' | Typically used in informal settings, often with friends or colleagues. Not suitable for formal or professional communication. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check vs Go shake down your gear
What's the difference between Check and Go shake down your gear?
Check: To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. Go shake down your gear: Check and adjust your equipment.
Which is more formal: Check and Go shake down your gear?
Check is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Check and Go shake down your gear?
Check is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Check: Please check your answers before submitting the test. Go shake down your gear: Before we leave for the trip, go shake down your gear.
Can I use Check and Go shake down your gear interchangeably?
Not always. Check and Go shake down your gear 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.