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Mary was very busy. That, however, didn't stop her from checking (on/out) Mrs. Johnsons' research.

Is it necessary to add on or out in cases like this? If so, why?

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  • Why would you think it is necessary? Or not necessary?
    – user6951
    Nov 13, 2014 at 7:32

1 Answer 1

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Mary was very busy. That, however, didn't stop her from checking Mrs. Johnson’s research.
Mary was very busy. That, however, didn't stop her from checking out Mrs. Johnson’s research.

These both mean that Mary reviewed Mrs. Johnson's research.

But when you say:

Mary was very busy. That, however, didn't stop her from checking on Mrs. Johnson’s research.

this means Mary checked on the status/progress of Mrs. Johnson's research, but not the contents of it.

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  • Thanks. What's more common? Checking or checking out in this case?
    – wyc
    Nov 13, 2014 at 7:34
  • I would say "checking" is better in this scenario. "checking out" has the connotation of "checking out the babes", or perhaps "checking out Mrs. Johnson".
    – user3169
    Nov 13, 2014 at 7:36

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