When you talk about a medical appointment, checkup and check-up can both appear in English. The difference is mainly about spelling, style, and usage rather than meaning. Both forms refer to a medical examination that helps a doctor assess your health and identify possible problems. However, checkup is now the more common spelling in American English, especially when the word functions as a noun. For example, you might say, “I have a checkup next week.”
The hyphenated form check-up is also understandable and appears in some dictionaries and writing styles, but it’s less common in modern US English. Understanding this small spelling difference can help you choose the form that looks most natural in your writing. If you’re writing for an American audience, checkup is generally the safest choice. It’s short, familiar, and widely used in everyday communication. You may still encounter check-up in older writing, British English, or publications that prefer hyphenated compounds. So, while checkup vs check-up may seem like a complicated grammar question, the practical answer is fairly simple: use checkup as the standard noun in most modern American writing.
English spelling can feel like a moving target. One day, you see checkup written as one word. The next day, a medical website uses check-up with a hyphen. Then someone writes check up as two separate words.So, which one is actually correct?The short answer is that all three forms can be correct, but they don’t always perform the same job in a sentence. Checkup and check-up usually function as nouns, while check up works as a verb phrase. The correct choice depends on what you want to say and which writing style you follow.
This small spelling difference matters more than it may seem. Using the wrong form can make a sentence look awkward, especially in professional, academic, medical, or formal writing. Fortunately, the rule isn’t difficult once you understand the grammar behind it.This guide explains checkup vs check-up vs check up with definitions, grammar rules, examples, comparison tables, common mistakes, and easy memory tricks.
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Checkup vs Check-Up: Quick Answer
Here’s the simplest explanation:
| Form | Usually Used As | Meaning | Example |
| Checkup | Noun | An examination or inspection | I have a medical checkup tomorrow. |
| Check-up | Noun | An examination or inspection | She booked her annual check-up. |
| Check up | Verb phrase | To investigate, examine, or monitor | The nurse will check up on the patient. |
In modern US English, checkup is commonly written as one word when referring to a medical examination. However, check-up remains an accepted spelling in many dictionaries and publications.
Meanwhile, check up stays as two words when it describes an action.
Quick rule: Use checkup or check-up for a thing. Use check up for an action.
For example:
- I scheduled a checkup. ✅
- I scheduled a check-up. ✅
- I scheduled a check up. ⚠️ Usually avoided as a noun in polished writing.
- The doctor will check up on me. ✅
That tiny space or hyphen changes the grammatical role. English loves doing that.
What Does “Checkup” Mean?
A checkup is a noun that usually refers to an examination performed to evaluate someone’s health or condition.
The word appears most often in medical settings. You might have an annual physical checkup, a dental checkup, or an eye checkup.
Definition of Checkup
A checkup generally means:
A routine examination intended to assess health, condition, performance, or general status.
For example:
- I have an annual checkup next Monday.
- The dentist recommended a six-month checkup.
- She went to the clinic for a routine health checkup.
In these sentences, checkup names an event or examination. It isn’t describing an action.
That’s the key difference.
Common Types of Checkups
You may encounter several types of checkups:
- Annual physical checkup
- Medical checkup
- Dental checkup
- Eye checkup
- Routine health checkup
- Wellness checkup
- Prenatal checkup
- Vehicle checkup
- Equipment checkup
Although medical usage dominates everyday English, the basic idea involves examining something to determine its condition.
Examples of “Checkup” in Sentences
Here are several natural examples:
- My doctor recommended an annual checkup.
- The child needs a routine checkup before school starts.
- I haven’t had a dental checkup in months.
- A regular health checkup can help identify concerns early.
- The mechanic performed a complete engine checkup.
Notice something important: you can place words like a, the, my, or annual before checkup because it functions as a noun.
For instance:
- a checkup
- my checkup
- the checkup
- an annual checkup
That noun behavior provides a useful clue when choosing the correct spelling.
What Does “Check-Up” Mean?
Check-up has essentially the same meaning as checkup. The primary difference involves spelling rather than meaning.
The hyphenated form developed from the two-word expression and remains acceptable in many contexts.
Is “Check-Up” Correct?
Yes. Check-up is a correct spelling.
However, spelling preferences can differ between dictionaries, publishers, countries, and editorial style guides. Some sources prefer the closed compound checkup, while others continue using check-up.
For example:
- She went for her annual check-up.
- The doctor scheduled a follow-up check-up.
- Your child should receive a routine health check-up.
All of these sentences communicate the same basic meaning as sentences using checkup.
Why Does English Create These Variations?
Compound words often evolve over time.
Many English expressions follow a pattern like this:
Two separate words → Hyphenated form → One word
Language doesn’t always move through these stages at the same speed. That creates overlap, where multiple spellings remain acceptable for years.
Consider similar examples:
| Separate Words | Hyphenated Form | Closed Form |
| online | on-line | online |
| website | web-site | website |
| check up | check-up | checkup |
Not every compound follows exactly the same journey. Still, the general pattern helps explain why checkup and check-up coexist.
Language changes gradually. Dictionaries often record that change rather than forcing it to happen overnight.
Checkup or Check-Up: Which Spelling Should You Use?
If both forms can be correct, which should you choose?
For most modern US English writing, checkup as one word is a practical choice when using the word as a noun.
For example:
I scheduled my annual checkup for Friday.
That spelling looks clean and appears frequently in contemporary American writing.
However, check-up isn’t automatically wrong. You may encounter it in British publications, older texts, medical communications, or organizations that follow a specific editorial style.
The Best Rule: Be Consistent
If you’re writing an article, report, website page, or professional document, choose one noun spelling and stick with it.
Avoid writing this:
I had my annual checkup in January. My next check-up is scheduled for June.
Neither spelling is necessarily incorrect, but switching between them can make the writing look inconsistent.
Instead, choose one style:
Option A:
- annual checkup
- medical checkup
- dental checkup
Option B:
- annual check-up
- medical check-up
- dental check-up
Consistency often matters as much as the spelling choice itself.
Checkup vs Check-Up vs Check Up: The Main Difference
The easiest way to understand the issue is to focus on grammar.
| Expression | Grammar Role | Meaning | Example |
| Checkup | Noun | Examination | I need a checkup. |
| Check-up | Noun | Examination | I need a check-up. |
| Check up | Verb phrase | Examine or investigate | Please check up on him. |
The biggest distinction is between the noun and the verb phrase.
As a Noun
A noun names a person, place, thing, event, or concept.
A checkup is something you have or receive.
- I need a checkup.
- Her annual checkup went well.
- The dentist scheduled another checkup.
As a Verb Phrase
A verb describes an action.
When someone checks up, they investigate, monitor, or examine something.
- The nurse will check up on you.
- I’ll check up on the situation.
- She checked up on the information.
Think of it this way:
A checkup is the examination. Check up is the act of checking.
One names the thing. The other describes what someone does.
What Does “Check Up” Mean?
Check up is a phrasal verb.
A phrasal verb combines a main verb with another word, often creating a meaning that differs slightly from the original verb.
In this case:
- check = examine or verify
- up = part of the phrasal construction
Together, check up can mean to investigate, monitor, or make sure something is okay.
Check Up on Someone
One of the most common constructions is check up on.
For example:
- The doctor checked up on the recovering patient.
- I’ll check up on Grandma later.
- The manager checked up on the new employee.
- She called to check up on her friend.
Here, someone is monitoring another person’s condition or situation.
Check Up on Something
You can also use check up on when investigating information or progress.
For example:
- I need to check up on those numbers.
- The editor checked up on the facts.
- Let’s check up on the project’s progress.
The phrase suggests investigation or verification.
The Grammar Rule Behind Checkup and Check Up
The checkup vs check up question belongs to a larger pattern in English.
English often changes the spelling of compound expressions depending on their grammatical function.
A single concept may appear as:
- a noun
- a verb
- an adjective
The spelling can change accordingly.
Nouns Often Become Closed Compounds
Many noun compounds eventually become one word.
Examples include:
- workout
- setup
- backup
- checkup
These words name things.
For example:
- I completed a difficult workout.
- The computer setup took an hour.
- We created a data backup.
- She scheduled a medical checkup.
Verb Forms Often Stay Separate
The related actions usually remain two words:
- work out
- set up
- back up
- check up
Examples:
- I work out every morning.
- Please set up the computer.
- Don’t forget to back up your files.
- The nurse will check up on the patient.
This pattern isn’t a perfect rule for every English compound. English, after all, enjoys exceptions almost as much as it enjoys silent letters.
Still, it provides a powerful memory tool.
Checkup vs Check-Up in American English
In modern American English, checkup is widely used as a closed compound noun.
You will commonly see phrases such as:
- annual checkup
- routine checkup
- medical checkup
- health checkup
- dental checkup
For most general US writing, checkup is a straightforward and natural choice.
Recommended US English Usage
If you’re writing for an American audience, this approach works well:
- Use checkup as a noun.
- Use check up as a verb phrase.
- Use check-up only when following a publication or organization’s established style.
Examples:
I have a doctor’s checkup tomorrow.
The doctor will check up on the patient tomorrow.
Simple. Clear. Easy to remember.
Checkup vs Check-Up in British English
British English may show greater variation in hyphenation preferences across publications.
You may see both:
- checkup
- check-up
The choice can depend on the dictionary, publisher, organization, or house style.
This illustrates an important point about English spelling:
Correctness and preference aren’t always the same thing.
Two forms may both be accepted, yet one publication consistently prefers one version.
That’s why professional writers often follow a style guide.
If a university, publisher, healthcare organization, or company has a preferred spelling, follow that standard.
Is “Check Up” One Word or Two Words?
When check up functions as a verb phrase, it should be written as two words.
Correct:
- I’ll check up on him.
- The nurse checked up on the patient.
- We need to check up on the situation.
The expression describes an action.
A Simple Grammar Test
Ask yourself:
Am I naming an examination?
If yes, use checkup or check-up.
Am I describing someone investigating or monitoring something?
If yes, use check up.
Here’s the difference side by side:
| Question | Correct Form |
| What did you schedule? | A checkup |
| What will the doctor do? | Check up on you |
| What did she have yesterday? | A check-up |
| What will she do later? | Check up on him |
Context solves the problem.
When Should You Use “Checkup”?
Use checkup when you need a noun referring to an examination or inspection.
Medical Checkups
This is the most common usage.
Examples include:
- annual checkup
- physical checkup
- health checkup
- dental checkup
- routine checkup
Example sentences:
- I scheduled my annual checkup.
- Her doctor recommended a complete checkup.
- The child went to the clinic for a routine checkup.
Preventive Healthcare Context
A checkup doesn’t necessarily mean someone is sick.
That’s an important distinction.
People often schedule routine checkups to assess general health rather than treat an existing illness.
For example:
Mark felt perfectly healthy, but he still scheduled his annual checkup.
The appointment exists for evaluation and preventive care. It’s not automatically connected to a specific medical problem.
General Inspection Contexts
Outside healthcare, checkup can sometimes describe a general examination or assessment.
However, medical usage remains the most familiar meaning for most readers.
When writing outside a medical context, consider whether a simpler word such as inspection, review, assessment, or evaluation communicates your meaning more clearly.
When Should You Use “Check-Up”?
Use check-up when your preferred dictionary, publication, or style guide uses the hyphenated noun.
Examples:
- She scheduled her annual check-up.
- The dentist recommended a six-month check-up.
- He missed his routine medical check-up.
The meaning doesn’t change.
Why Writers Still Use the Hyphen
Hyphens often help readers see the relationship between words.
Historically, compounds commonly pass through several stages of spelling.
At first, writers use two words:
check up
Later, they connect them with a hyphen:
check-up
Eventually, many compounds become closed:
checkup
Not every word completes this transition. Some remain hyphenated permanently, while others become solid compounds.
English spelling evolves through actual usage. There isn’t always a single dramatic moment when everyone agrees to remove a hyphen.
When Should You Use “Check Up”?
Use check up when describing an action.
The phrase often appears with on.
Checking on a Person
- Please check up on your neighbor.
- The doctor checked up on the patient.
- I called to check up on my parents.
Investigating Information
- I’ll check up on that claim.
- The journalist checked up on the source.
- We should check up on those details.
Monitoring Progress
- The manager checked up on the project.
- She regularly checks up on her team’s progress.
- Let’s check up on the results next week.
In every example, check up describes an action.
Checkup vs Check-Up: Examples in Everyday Sentences
Examples make grammar rules easier to understand. Here are several practical comparisons.
Using “Checkup”
- My annual checkup is next month.
- The doctor completed a thorough checkup.
- I haven’t missed a dental checkup in years.
- Her routine checkup lasted thirty minutes.
- The company arranged a health checkup for employees.
Using “Check-Up”
- He went for a medical check-up.
- The child needs a routine check-up.
- She postponed her annual check-up.
- The clinic offers preventive health check-ups.
- His next dental check-up is in June.
Using “Check Up”
- The nurse will check up on you later.
- I’ll check up on the delivery status.
- She checked up on her friend after the surgery.
- The supervisor checked up on the team’s progress.
- We should check up on those facts before publishing them.
Common Mistakes With Checkup, Check-Up, and Check Up
Small spelling differences can create surprisingly common mistakes.
Using “Check Up” as a Noun
You may see sentences like:
I scheduled a check up with my doctor.
Although informal writing sometimes uses this spacing, polished writing usually treats the noun as a compound: checkup or check-up, depending on the chosen style.
A clearer version is:
I scheduled a checkup with my doctor.
Or:
I scheduled a check-up with my doctor.
The key is recognizing that you’re naming an examination.
Using “Checkup” as a Verb
This sentence doesn’t work in standard English:
The doctor will checkup the patient.
Checkup isn’t normally used as a standard verb.
Instead, write:
The doctor will check up on the patient.
Or, depending on your intended meaning:
The doctor will examine the patient.
The doctor will check the patient.
Choosing the right verb matters because check up and check don’t always carry exactly the same meaning.
Mixing Checkup and Check-Up Randomly
Avoid switching forms without a reason.
For example:
I had a checkup yesterday. My next check-up is in six months.
The sentence isn’t necessarily grammatically wrong, but the inconsistent style can distract readers.
Choose one noun form and use it consistently.
Confusing “Check Up” With “Check On”
These expressions overlap, but they aren’t always identical.
Check On
Check on usually means to look at someone or something to see how they are doing.
- I’ll check on the baby.
- Please check on the food.
- She checked on her friend.
Check Up On
Check up on can suggest monitoring, investigating, or making sure something is okay.
- The nurse checked up on the patient.
- The manager checked up on the project.
- He checked up on the employee’s work.
In casual conversation, people sometimes use these expressions interchangeably. Context determines which sounds more natural.
Checkup vs Check-Up: A Practical Comparison Table
| Feature | Checkup | Check-Up | Check Up |
| Written as | One word | Hyphenated | Two words |
| Main grammar role | Noun | Noun | Verb phrase |
| Refers to | Examination | Examination | Action |
| Common medical use | Yes | Yes | Only as an action |
| Example | I need a checkup. | I need a check-up. | I’ll check up on him. |
| Modern US usage | Common | Accepted variation | Required for verb phrase |
This table captures the central distinction.
Checkup/check-up = something.
Check up = something you do.
Similar Grammar Patterns: Checkup vs Check Up
The difference between checkup and check up isn’t unique. English contains many similar word pairs.
Understanding them can make the rule easier to remember.
Follow-Up vs Follow Up
Follow-up can function as a noun or adjective.
- I scheduled a follow-up appointment.
Follow up functions as a verb.
- I’ll follow up tomorrow.
Setup vs Set Up
Setup is a noun.
- The computer setup was easy.
Set up is a verb.
- Please set up the computer.
Backup vs Back Up
Backup is usually a noun or adjective.
- Create a data backup.
Back up is a verb.
- Please back up your files.
Workout vs Work Out
Workout is a noun.
- That was a tough workout.
Work out is a verb.
- I work out every morning.
The Pattern at a Glance
| Noun | Verb |
| Checkup | Check up |
| Setup | Set up |
| Backup | Back up |
| Workout | Work out |
| Follow-up | Follow up |
This pattern isn’t universal, so don’t apply it blindly to every English word. Still, it offers a helpful grammatical shortcut.
How to Remember Checkup vs Check-Up vs Check Up
You don’t need to memorize dozens of dictionary entries. A simple test usually works.
Use the “Thing or Action?” Test
Ask yourself:
Is it a thing?
Use checkup or check-up.
Is it an action?
Use check up.
Example One
I have a ______ tomorrow.
You’re naming an appointment.
Correct:
I have a checkup tomorrow.
Example Two
The doctor will ______ on me tomorrow.
You’re describing an action.
Correct:
The doctor will check up on me tomorrow.
That’s it.
Use the Article Test
Another useful trick involves articles.
Can you naturally place a or the before the word?
- a checkup
- the checkup
- my checkup
If yes, you’re likely dealing with a noun.
Now try the same thing with the verb phrase:
I have a check up on my friend.
That construction doesn’t work when you’re referring to the action of monitoring someone.
Instead:
I will check up on my friend.
The grammar reveals the correct spelling.
A Simple Memory Trick
Remember this:
One examination = checkup. One action = check up.
Or, if you prefer something even shorter:
Thing? Together. Action? Apart.
It isn’t a perfect rule for every English compound. However, it works well for remembering this particular distinction.
Checkup vs Check-Up in Professional Writing
Correct spelling becomes especially important in professional communication.
A casual text message might survive almost any variation. A medical report, academic paper, or company publication deserves greater consistency.
Medical Writing
Healthcare organizations often develop internal terminology standards.
If you’re writing for a clinic, hospital, insurance provider, or health publication, follow the organization’s preferred style.
For example, if a medical website consistently uses:
annual health checkup
Don’t suddenly switch to:
annual health check-up
Readers may not consciously notice the difference, but consistent language makes professional content feel more polished.
Academic Writing
Academic writing often follows established style manuals.
Before choosing between checkup and check-up, check the required style guide or dictionary preference.
Consistency should extend across:
- headings
- body text
- tables
- figure captions
- references where applicable
A well-edited paper doesn’t make readers stop and wonder whether two spellings represent different concepts.
Business Writing
Business writing values clarity.
If you’re sending an email about employee wellness programs, checkup may be the cleanest choice for a US audience:
Employees can schedule an annual health checkup.
However, if your company’s brand guidelines specify check-up, follow those guidelines.
Professional writing isn’t only about dictionary correctness. It’s also about consistency and audience expectations.
Can “Checkup” Be Used Outside Medicine?
Yes, although medical usage is the most familiar.
The underlying idea involves examining something to determine its condition.
For example, people may informally refer to:
- an equipment checkup
- a vehicle checkup
- a system checkup
However, context matters.
Sometimes another word sounds more natural:
| Context | Possible Better Word |
| Car condition | Inspection |
| Software performance | Diagnostic check |
| Business performance | Review |
| Machine safety | Inspection |
| Employee progress | Evaluation |
| Financial records | Audit |
For instance, instead of saying:
The accountant performed a financial checkup.
You might write:
The accountant performed a financial review.
The second version sounds more natural in many professional contexts.
Don’t force checkup into every situation involving examination. Natural word choice always beats mechanical keyword repetition.
Checkup vs Check-Up: How Compound Words Change Over Time
One reason this topic causes confusion is that English spelling isn’t frozen.
Words evolve.
A compound expression can begin as two independent words. Over time, frequent usage may bring them closer together.
Stage One: Open Compound
Two separate words:
check up
Stage Two: Hyphenated Compound
The words become visually connected:
check-up
Stage Three: Closed Compound
The words merge:
checkup
This process has occurred with many English words.
Consider email. Earlier writing frequently used e-mail. Today, the closed form dominates much modern usage.
The same broader trend explains why spelling disagreements sometimes occur.
Language is less like a brick wall and more like a river. It moves gradually, and different groups may travel at slightly different speeds.
That doesn’t mean every spelling variation is equally appropriate in every situation. It simply explains why dictionaries may recognize more than one form.
A Mini Case Study: Choosing the Correct Form
Imagine a healthcare blogger writing three sentences.
Sentence A
Sarah scheduled her annual ______.
The missing word names an appointment.
Correct choices:
- checkup
- check-up
Sentence B
The doctor promised to ______ on Sarah after the procedure.
The missing phrase describes an action.
Correct choice:
- check up
The complete sentence becomes:
The doctor promised to check up on Sarah after the procedure.
Sentence C
Sarah received a complete health ______ before starting her new job.
Again, you’re naming an examination.
Correct choices:
- checkup
- check-up
This tiny case study demonstrates the real principle: identify the grammatical function before choosing the spelling.
Checkup vs Check-Up: Common Search Questions Answered
People searching for this topic often want a quick answer rather than a long grammar lecture. Here are the essential answers.
Is checkup one word?
Yes. Checkup is commonly written as one word when used as a noun, especially in modern American English.
Example:
I have a routine checkup tomorrow.
Is check-up hyphenated?
Yes. Check-up is also an accepted hyphenated noun spelling in many contexts.
Example:
She booked her annual check-up.
Is “check up” a verb?
Yes. Check up functions as a verb phrase.
Example:
The doctor will check up on the patient.
Which is correct: checkup or check-up?
Both can be correct as nouns depending on dictionary preference and editorial style. For modern US English, checkup is often the more streamlined choice.
Can I write “I have a check up”?
In polished writing, it’s generally better to use checkup or check-up when referring to the examination itself.
Better:
I have a checkup tomorrow.
Can “checkup” be a verb?
Generally, no. Checkup functions as a noun.
Use check up when describing the action.
What is the plural of checkup?
The plural is checkups.
Examples:
- regular checkups
- annual checkups
- dental checkups
If using the hyphenated form, the plural becomes:
- check-ups
Check Up vs Check On: Is There a Difference?
Yes, although the expressions can overlap.
“Check On”
Check on usually means visiting, observing, or contacting someone to see how they are doing.
Examples:
- I’ll check on the kids.
- Please check on the soup.
- She called to check on her father.
“Check Up On”
Check up on often suggests monitoring, investigating, or verifying.
Examples:
- The nurse checked up on the patient.
- The manager checked up on the project.
- The journalist checked up on the information.
The difference can be subtle.
Imagine your neighbor is sick.
You might say:
I’ll check on my neighbor.
This sounds like you’re going to see whether they’re okay.
If you say:
I’ll check up on my neighbor.
It can suggest more active monitoring or investigation.
Context determines which phrase sounds most natural.
Checkup vs Check-Up: Examples for Students and Writers
If you’re still unsure, study these pairs.
Example Pair One
Noun:
James has a medical checkup tomorrow.
Verb:
The doctor will check up on James tomorrow.
Example Pair Two
Noun:
Maria scheduled a dental check-up.
Verb:
Her dentist will check up on her recovery.
Example Pair Three
Noun:
Regular checkups help monitor general health.
Verb:
Nurses regularly check up on patients.
The difference becomes obvious when both forms appear near each other.
One names something.
The other describes something happening.
Why Context Matters More Than Memorization
Many grammar mistakes happen because writers try to memorize spelling without understanding function.
That’s like memorizing every road on a map without learning how directions work.
Instead, identify the role of the word.
Ask:
- Is this a noun?
- Is this a verb phrase?
- Am I naming an examination?
- Am I describing the act of investigating or monitoring?
Once you answer those questions, the spelling becomes much easier.
Consider:
We need a routine ______.
This requires a noun.
Now consider:
We need to ______ on the patient.
This requires a verb phrase.
Grammar gives you the answer before spelling does.
Checkup vs Check-Up: Final Comparison
Before finishing, here’s one final comparison.
| Situation | Best Form |
| Naming a medical examination | Checkup / Check-up |
| Writing modern US English | Checkup is commonly preferred |
| Following a hyphenated house style | Check-up |
| Describing the action of monitoring | Check up |
| Talking about checking on a patient | Check up on |
| Writing the plural noun | Checkups / Check-ups |
The table shows why there isn’t a single answer to the question “Is checkup or check-up correct?”
Both may be correct.
The separate form has a different grammatical job.
FAQS
Is it checkup, check-up, or check up?
All three forms can be correct. Checkup and check-up function as nouns referring to an examination. Check up is a verb phrase describing the act of monitoring, investigating, or examining something.
Which is correct in American English: checkup or check-up?
Checkup is widely used in modern American English as a closed compound noun. However, check-up remains an accepted variation depending on the dictionary or editorial style.
Should I hyphenate check-up?
You can use check-up if your preferred dictionary or style guide supports that spelling. If you’re writing general modern US English, checkup is often a clean and consistent choice.
Is “check up” two words?
Yes. When used as a verb phrase, check up should be written as two words.
Example: The nurse will check up on the patient.
Can checkup be used as a verb?
No. Checkup normally functions as a noun. Use check up for the verb phrase.
Incorrect:
The doctor will checkup the patient.
Better:
The doctor will check up on the patient.
What is an annual checkup?
An annual checkup is a routine examination typically scheduled once a year to review a person’s general health and identify potential concerns.
What is the plural of checkup?
The plural is checkups.
Example:
Regular checkups can help track changes over time.
If you use the hyphenated spelling, write check-ups.
Is a dental checkup one word?
In modern US English, dental checkup is commonly written with checkup as one word.
What’s the difference between check on and check up on?
Check on generally means seeing how someone or something is doing. Check up on can carry a stronger sense of monitoring, investigating, or verifying.
Can I use checkup in formal writing?
Yes. Checkup is suitable for formal writing when used as a noun. Just make sure your spelling remains consistent throughout the document.
Conclusion
The checkup vs check-up debate becomes much easier once you focus on grammar instead of staring at the spelling.Checkup is commonly used as a noun, particularly in modern US English. It refers to an examination, especially a medical or dental one. Check-up has the same basic meaning and remains an accepted spelling in many writing styles.Check up, however, serves a different purpose. It’s a verb phrase used when someone is performing the action of monitoring, investigating, or examining something.
