Say it like this
- Let me check in with the team before we decide.
- I'll check in on that ticket later today.
- Can we check in tomorrow morning?
- Don't forget to check in when you arrive at the office.
- I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.
Use it at work
With your manager
- Can we have a quick check-in on the project?
- Let's do a weekly check-in until launch.
Asking for status
- Just checking in. How's the migration going?
- I'll check in with the client tomorrow.
Office and travel
- Remember to check in at the front desk.
- Check-in for the conference opens at 8.
Don't say this
When checking in with a person, use 'check in with [someone]'.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| check-in | Short meeting to see how things are | Managers, teammates | Regularly |
| one-on-one | Regular private talk with your manager | Manager and report | Weekly or biweekly |
| status update | Report on progress | Anyone | Regularly |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You want to ask a teammate about their progress on a feature.
2. I need to check in the design team before the meeting.
3. Just _____ to see if you need any help with the deployment.
4. I want to talk to you quickly about the status of the project. (Use 'check in')
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 5
"Let me check in with the team before we decide."
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More about check in
Real examples(7)
- Standup
"I'll check in with the backend team about the API changes."
- Slack message
"Hey, just checking in on the deployment. Any updates?"
- GitHub PR
"Checking in to see if there's anything else needed for this PR."
- Jira ticket
"Checked in with QA—they'll start testing tomorrow."
- Retrospective
"We should check in more often during long sprints."
- Sprint planning
"Let's check in mid-sprint to see if we're on track."
- Pair programming
"Let me check in my changes before we continue."
More mistakes(2)
- ✕Please check in me about the project.✓Please check in with me about the project.
The preposition 'with' is required when the object is a person.
- ✕I checked in the code yesterday.✓I checked in the code yesterday. / I committed the code yesterday.
In version control, 'check in' can mean commit—but many teams prefer 'commit' to avoid confusion.
Other forms(5)
- check in base form
"I need to check in with my manager."
- checks in third person
"She checks in with the team every morning."
- checked in past tense
"I checked in with the client yesterday."
- checking in present participle
"Just checking in to see how things are going."
- check-in noun
"We have a weekly check-in meeting on Mondays."
Often used with(5)
- check in with · Used when connecting with a person: 'check in with the team'
- check in on · Used when monitoring progress: 'check in on the deployment'
- quick check-in · A brief meeting or conversation for updates
- daily check-in · A regular check-in that happens every day (like standup)
- check-in meeting · A scheduled meeting to share updates and discuss progress
Similar words(4)
- touch base · More casual; often used in US offices. Similar meaning.
- follow up · More action-focused; implies getting an update on something specific.
- sync up · Implies mutual exchange of information; often scheduled.
- catch up · More casual; can include personal conversation, not just work.
Opposites(4)
- check out
- sign out
- disconnect
- log off
Questions(6)
- What does 'check in' mean in a tech workplace?
- 'Check in' has two main meanings in tech. First, it means to register your presence using a digital system or app (like checking in at an event). Second, it means to have a quick conversation with someone to share updates or see how work is going.
- Is 'check in' the same as 'check in with'?
- When you're talking to or contacting a person, you need to say 'check in with.' For example: 'I'll check in with Sarah.' When registering at a location or system, you just say 'check in': 'Please check in when you arrive.'
- Can 'check in' mean commit code in Git?
- Yes, in some version control systems (especially older ones like SVN), 'check in' means to commit code. However, most modern teams using Git prefer to say 'commit' instead to avoid confusion.
- What is a 'check-in meeting'?
- A check-in meeting is a brief meeting where team members share updates on their work. It's similar to a standup or sync meeting. The goal is to stay aligned and identify any blockers.
- How do I use 'checking in' in a Slack message?
- Start your message with 'Just checking in...' to sound friendly and non-demanding. For example: 'Just checking in on the PR—let me know if you need anything from me.'
- Is 'check in' formal or casual?
- 'Check in' is neutral and works in both casual and semi-formal situations. It's appropriate for Slack messages, standups, and even emails to managers. It's less common in very formal documents.
