Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To investigate or examine something thoroughly: To look into or inquire about a situation, fact, or condition to verify details, accuracy, or quality. 2. To register one's arrival at a hotel or similar establishment: To formally announce one's arrival and secure a room at a hotel, hospital, clinic, etc. This is the most common specific usage.

Usage Examples

• Verb (investigate):
  • The journalist decided to check into the company's financial records.
  • Before investing, you should check into the startup's background.
• Verb (register arrival):
  • We will check into the hotel after 3 PM.
  • Patients must check into the clinic at the front desk.

Advanced Usage

• "to check into something": Can imply a brief or preliminary investigation.
  • I'll check into the train schedules and call you back.
• Used in a medical or therapeutic context.
  • He decided to check into a rehabilitation center.

Variants and Related Words

• Check-in (noun): The act or process of registering arrival.
  • The hotel's check-in time is 4 PM.
• Check out (verb): The antonym for leaving a hotel; also means to investigate (similar to 'check into').
  • We need to check out of the room by 11 AM.
  • You should check out that new restaurant.

Synonyms

• Investigate: To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry.
• Examine: To inspect something in detail.
• Look into: To try to discover the facts about something.
• Register: To enter one's name on an official list upon arrival.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Check up on: To investigate or verify the condition or status of someone or something.
  • The doctor will check up on the patient tomorrow.
• Check over: To examine something carefully for errors or problems.
  • Please check over this report before I submit it.

Related Idioms

• Check it out: An informal phrase meaning to look at or investigate something interesting.
  • There's a great sale downtown—you should check it out.

Verb

1. examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
   • check the brakes
   • Check out the engine