Check and Control - How to Use these Common English Verbs

Is something wrong, officer? Is this your car? Yes.

When was the last time you checked the air in these tires? I can't remember.

Hey, where are the kids? Oh they're fine. They're playing upstairs. I'll go and check

on them. Checking something: making sure that it's

OK or correct. Check the list and see if we've forgotten anything.

Is this receipt correct? I'll check.

OK, are we ready? Underwear. Check. Socks. Check. Medicines. Check. Passports.

This is a check mark in American English. In British English it's a tick.

Good boy. I have to put a leash on Carter when I take him out, or else I can't control

him. Let's go. Control generally means manage or direct.

A roundabout controls the traffic. It manages and directs it.

Ten thousand people gathered in Chestnut Square today for the pro-jobs rally. Police were

called in to control the crowds. And now in financial news, the Central Bank

has announced new measures to control inflation. No, I don't want to buy any life insurance.

Stop calling me! I know. I must learn to control my temper.

If you're talking about inspecting something, use 'check'. So at passport control, they

check people's passports. Brrrr. I'm cold. I'll check the thermostat

to see if it's working. The thermostat controls the temperature. Ah!

Are you cold, Jay? No.