B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

double check

Verify twice

Literalmente: Check something twice

Use `double check` to show you are being careful and want to avoid any mistakes.

En 15 segundos

  • Verify something a second time for total certainty.
  • Use it as a verb or a noun in any situation.
  • Shows you are careful, reliable, and hate making mistakes.

Significado

To double check means to look at something one more time to be absolutely sure it is correct. It is like having a second look to catch any small mistakes you might have missed.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Leaving the house

Wait, let me double check that I turned off the oven.

Wait, let me verify twice that I turned off the oven.

😊
2

Professional email

I will double check those figures and send the report by noon.

I will verify those figures again and send the report by noon.

💼
3

Texting a friend about plans

I think the movie starts at 8, but let me double check the tickets.

I think the movie starts at 8, but let me verify the tickets.

🤝
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase gained massive popularity in the mid-1900s, likely linked to industrial and technical safety protocols. In Western culture, saying 'I'll double check' is often used as a polite way to end a conversation or stall for time while you find information. It signals that you are reliable and take the other person's request seriously.

💡

The 'Stall' Tactic

If someone asks you a question you can't answer immediately, say 'Let me double check that for you.' It sounds much more helpful than 'I don't know.'

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you say you'll 'double check' everything, people might think you are unconfident. Use it for important things, not every tiny detail.

En 15 segundos

  • Verify something a second time for total certainty.
  • Use it as a verb or a noun in any situation.
  • Shows you are careful, reliable, and hate making mistakes.

What It Means

Double check is your best friend for avoiding mistakes. It means you have already checked something once. Now, you are looking again to be 100% certain. It is that second glance at your keys before you lock the door. It is reading an email one last time before hitting send. It is about peace of mind.

How To Use It

You can use it as a verb or a noun. Most people use it as a verb: "I need to double check the time." You can also say, "Give it a double check." It is very flexible. You can double check facts, doors, prices, or even your own memory. It usually follows the pattern: double check + [thing].

When To Use It

Use it whenever accuracy matters.

  • At a restaurant: Double check the bill for extra fries you didn't order.
  • Before a trip: Double check you have your passport.
  • In a text: "Let me double check my schedule and get back to you."
  • At work: It shows you are careful and professional.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for things that are obvious or unimportant. If you are looking at the sun, you don't need to double check if it is daytime. Also, if you check something ten times, that is not a double check—that is just worrying! Avoid using it in very high-pressure emergencies where every second counts. Just do it!

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, being "thorough" is a highly valued trait. People love the phrase "Better safe than sorry." Double check fits perfectly into this mindset. It became popular in the mid-20th century. It reflects a culture that values efficiency but fears making silly, avoidable errors. It is the verbal equivalent of a safety net.

Common Variations

  • Triple check: When you are extra nervous and check three times!
  • Give it a once-over: A faster, less deep version of a check.
  • Cross-check: Comparing two different lists to see if they match.
  • Fact-check: Specifically for verifying if information is true.

Notas de uso

This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. It carries a 'neutral' to 'friendly' tone, making you sound diligent without being overly stiff.

💡

The 'Stall' Tactic

If someone asks you a question you can't answer immediately, say 'Let me double check that for you.' It sounds much more helpful than 'I don't know.'

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you say you'll 'double check' everything, people might think you are unconfident. Use it for important things, not every tiny detail.

💬

Triple Checking

If you really want to emphasize how careful you are being, say 'I'll triple check it.' It's a common exaggeration to show extreme care.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Leaving the house
😊

Wait, let me double check that I turned off the oven.

Wait, let me verify twice that I turned off the oven.

Common everyday use for safety and habits.

#2 Professional email
💼

I will double check those figures and send the report by noon.

I will verify those figures again and send the report by noon.

Shows professionalism and attention to detail.

#3 Texting a friend about plans
🤝

I think the movie starts at 8, but let me double check the tickets.

I think the movie starts at 8, but let me verify the tickets.

Used to confirm shared information.

#4 At a restaurant
👔

Could you double check if this dish contains nuts? I have an allergy.

Could you verify again if this dish contains nuts?

Used for important safety requests.

#5 A humorous realization
😄

I double checked my bank account and confirmed I am still poor.

I checked my bank account twice and confirmed I am still poor.

Using the phrase for self-deprecating humor.

#6 Anxious moment
💭

I've double checked the locks five times, but I'm still nervous.

I've verified the locks twice (five times), but I'm still nervous.

Expressing anxiety through repetitive checking.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.

I'm not sure if I locked the car. I should go back and ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: double check

We use the base form 'double check' after the modal verb 'should'.

Complete the professional response.

Thanks for the data. I'll give it a ___ before the meeting.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: double check

'Give it a double check' is a common way to use the phrase as a noun phrase.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Double Check'

Casual

Talking to family about chores.

Double check the milk isn't expired!

Neutral

Standard daily communication.

Let me double check the address.

Formal

Business or medical contexts.

Please double check the patient's records.

When to Double Check

Double Check
✈️

Travel

Checking for your passport.

📊

Work

Reviewing a spreadsheet.

📱

Social

Confirming a meeting time.

🏠

Home

Ensuring the stove is off.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is usually written as two words, double check. However, when used as an adjective before a noun, like a double-check system, you can use a hyphen.

It is a bit informal for academic writing. In a formal essay, use verify or re-examine instead.

Check is the first time you look. Double check is the second time you look to ensure the first check was right.

Yes! People say triple check when they are being extra cautious or when the task is very important.

Not really. You double check information or objects. If you are checking on a person, you would say check on them.

No, it is a standard English collocation used by everyone from children to CEOs.

The past tense is double checked. For example: 'I double checked the map before we left.'

Almost. Cross-check usually means comparing two different sources of information, while double check just means looking at the same thing again.

Some people say 'check again twice,' but that is redundant. Just say double check.

Yes, you can say 'I'll give it a double check.' This is very common in casual conversation.

Frases relacionadas

Make sure

To ensure something is certain.

Verify

To prove that something is true or accurate (more formal).

Look over

To examine something quickly.

Run through

To quickly review a list or a plan.

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