check in
No objectThis verb takes no object at all.
How to say it
Stress the particle, not the verb: check IN. Saying “CHECK in” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.
Link across the gap. The final /k/ of “check” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “check in” is said “che-ckin”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.
Verb vs noun
As a noun the stress flips to the front: the verb is check IN, the noun is CHECK-IN. Same two words, different beat — “to check IN” is the action, “a check-in” is the thing. Getting this backwards makes the sentence land oddly even when every sound is right.
2 meanings
- 1
To register on arrival at a hotel or airport.
- “We checked in at three and went straight to the room.”
- “You can check in online the day before you fly.”
Similar: register
- 2
To make contact briefly to report on progress.
- “I'll check in with you on Thursday to see where we are.”
Similar: touch base