Check facts for kids

The word Check is used in many different ways! It can mean to stop something, to look closely at something, a special pattern, or even a move in a game of chess. Let's explore the different meanings of "check."

What Does "Check" Mean?

The word "check" is super versatile. It's used in everyday life, in games, and even in serious situations. Understanding its different meanings helps us know exactly what someone means when they say "check."

Checking for Safety and Quality

One common meaning of "check" is to make sure everything is safe or correct. When you "check" something, you are often looking for problems or making sure things are working right.

• To stop something happening: Imagine a safety "check" before a roller coaster ride. Workers "check" all the harnesses and tracks to make sure they are safe. This stops accidents from happening.
• To investigate: When you "check" something, you might be investigating it. For example, a scientist might "check" their experiment results carefully. They are looking closely to see if everything is correct and if there are any errors. Teachers "check" your homework to see if you understood the lesson.

Why are Checks Important?

Checks are very important in many areas. For example, before an airplane takes off, pilots do many "checks." They "check" the engines, the fuel, and all the controls. This helps make sure the flight is safe for everyone. Food companies also "check" their products to make sure they are safe to eat and of good quality.

Checking Things Off a List

Another way we use "check" is when we put a mark next to something. This mark is often called a "tick" or a "check mark."

• To place a tick against: When you finish a task on your to-do list, you might "check" it off. This means you have completed it. For example, if your list says "Do homework," once you're done, you put a "check" next to it. This helps you keep track of what you've finished and what you still need to do.

Using Checklists

Checklists are used everywhere! Students use them for assignments, and doctors use them before operations. They help make sure important steps are not forgotten. A "check" mark shows that a step has been done.

Check Patterns and Designs

Sometimes, "check" refers to a specific kind of pattern.

• A chequered pattern or design: A "check" pattern is made of squares of different colors, usually arranged in a grid. Think of a chessboard, which has black and white squares. This is a classic "check" pattern. You might also see "check" patterns on clothing, like a plaid shirt, or on flags.

Where You See Check Patterns

"Check" patterns are popular in fashion and design. They can be small and subtle or large and bold. Many fabrics, like gingham or tartan, feature different types of "check" designs.

"Check!" in Chess

In the game of chess, "check" has a very specific meaning.

• A threat to capture the king in chess: In chess, when a player's king is under attack by an opponent's piece, the king is said to be in "check." This means the king could be captured on the next move if nothing is done. The player whose king is in "check" must immediately make a move to get their king out of danger.

Getting Out of Check

There are three main ways to get out of "check" in chess:

1. Move the king to a safe square.
2. Block the attack with another piece.
3. Capture the piece that is attacking the king.

If a player cannot do any of these things, and their king is still under attack, it's called checkmate, and the game is over.