I came across the following example:
Tick the box if you would like more details.
In the sentence, "tick the box" means mark the specific checkbox. If we have the following checkboxes
ticking the first checkbox means selecting it.
But what is the difference between checking the box and ticking the box? Can I assume that the phrases are equivalent?
Ticking a box (British English) and Checking a box (American English) mean the same thing and are generally understood on both sides of the Atlantic.
The respective processes may be interpreted as:
checking the box -> there is a box, and mark it with a check mark if you want to select it (This is commonly used in hard copies [forms])
ticking the box -> there is a box, and click it to mark the same with a check mark (if you want to select it). (common in online forms/surveys etc.)
Moreover, "checking the box" is more flexible, since those who live in the era where forms are answered in hard copies can automatically interpret it as to selecting the option available. Ticking the box may not be that simple for a person who is not a technological savvy.
'Ticking' is similar to 'clicking' (hence, all the results caused by clicking is possible). 'checking' is not similar to clicking, but you need to click in order to place a check mark in online forms.
Hence, in online forms, the two are technically equivalent (per common sense/experience of computer users).
The phrase is
check the box
tick the box
When you "check the box" you are checking the box of your choice.
checking the box (AmE) = ticking the box (BrE)
They are synonymous. In the UK the v with the short downstroke,long upstroke is almost always used and called a tick. An x is usually used in the US and referred to as a check mark.
