Let’s be honest, sometimes English can be confusing. Sometimes when learning English it is easy to mix up words or be unsure when to use them.
I often hear German speakers who are learning English make mistakes with the words ‘check’ and ‘control’.
Take a look at the examples below. Hopefully they will make things clearer for you.
To check means to make sure something or someone is correct, accurate, safe or suitable.
Passports and / or I.D. cards are checked before people travel from the U.K. to America.
Before setting off on a long car journey it’s a good idea to check the tyres, oil and water.
I always double check the sales figures before presenting them to my boss.
To control means to limit, instruct, direct or rule something, or someone’s behaviour.
The firefighters had difficulty controlling the fire.
If you can’t control your dog, put it on a lead!
If you drink alcohol, you shouldn’t drive home. You may not be able to control your car very well.
Look at this comparison:
I can check the temperature in my house by looking at the thermostat.
I can control the temperature in my house by adjusting the thermostat.
Have fun learning English!
Louise