Check vs Review

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Check

Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb

Review

Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
 CheckReview
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈvjuː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈvjuː/"]/
MeaningTo look at something to see if it's correct or okay.To look at something again to check or evaluate it.
ExamplePlease check your answers before submitting the test.I wrote a review of the new restaurant that just opened.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelA1A2
Part of speechverbnoun
Collocationsalways, 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, offenthusiastic, excellent, favourable/​favorable, do, write, give something, appear, copy, article, do, class, session, materials, review for, careful, complete, comprehensive, ask for, call for, seek, take place, cover something, deal with something, board, body, committee, under review, up for review, review by
Antonymsignore, disregardignore, overlook
Common mistakesConfused with 'cheque' in British English., Using 'check' as a noun without proper context., Incorrectly conjugating 'check' in the past tense.Using 'review' as a noun and verb without context (needs clear subject or object)., Confusing 'review' with 'revise' (review is for checking, revise is for changing)., Saying 'make a review' instead of 'write a review.'
Usage notesUsed in various contexts such as checking information, verifying facts, or inspecting items. Avoid using in very formal writing; instead, opt for 'verify' or 'inspect.'Use 'review' in both formal and informal contexts, like schoolwork or feedback on a product. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing specific topics.

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Check
Review

Frequently asked questions: Check vs Review

What's the difference between Check and Review?

Check: To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. Review: To look at something again to check or evaluate it.

Which is more advanced: Check and Review?

Review is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Check and Review the same CEFR level?

Check: A1, Review: A2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Check and Review?

Check: verb, Review: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Check: Please check your answers before submitting the test. Review: I wrote a review of the new restaurant that just opened.

Can I use Check and Review interchangeably?

Not always. Check and Review 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.

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