Check in or Check-in: Which Version Is Correct?

Let’s say you need to speak with a boarding agent about your flight. Or perhaps you’re interested in an associate’s progress on a project, or you just want to see how a friend’s day is coming along. Any of these inquiries might be described as “checking in.”

It’s an easy concept to understand and to speak as a phrase. But when it comes to spelling the expression, even some native speakers of American English can get tripped up. Should it be check in without a hyphen or check-in with a hyphen?

Let’s answer that.

The Difference Between Check in and Check-in

As it turns out, either check in or check-in can be correct. It all depends on the usage.

Check in (without a hyphen) is a phrasal verb. It means “to confirm something” or “to register after arriving at a place.” Let’s look at some examples:

The airport is close, but I still need to check in before my flight.

I always check in on how my dogs are doing at the kennel when I’m away on vacation.

Please check in with the event organizer for more information.

The other version of this phrase, check-in (with a hyphen), is similar. It can be used as a noun or an adjective in referring to confirming, reporting, or registering someone or something. To reinforce the distinction, let’s look at more examples:

The check-in at the hotel is staffed 24 hours a day. (noun)

There was a check-in area near the marathon starting line. (adjective)

I love traveling but hate waiting at airline check-in zones. (adjective)

In each of these sentences, check-in identifies or describes a location for confirmation, reporting, or registration. In other words, it serves as a noun or an adjective.

And that, in a nutshell, is the difference. When you are describing the action (verb), use check in without a hyphen. When you’re identifying or describing the location for that action (noun or adjective), use check-in with a hyphen.

After considering the two versions in their proper context, you’ll get the hang of it. Start with our practice quiz below!

Pop Quiz

Choose the correct use of check in or check-in for each sentence.

1. Parents of young children typically want to [check in / check-in] with teachers and babysitters often.

2. I couldn’t believe how many people were waiting at the [check in / check-in] desk.

3. Will you please [check in / check-in] with me after your doctor’s appointment?

4. My manager likes the team to [check in / check-in] every few hours to update her on our deadlines.

5. The hotel has created a [check in / check-in] app that’s supposed to make it easier to pick up a room key.

 

Pop Quiz Answers

1. Parents of young children typically want to check in with teachers and babysitters often.

2. I couldn’t believe how many people were waiting at the check-in

3. Will you please check in with me after your doctor’s appointment?

4. My manager likes the team to check in every few hours to update her on our deadlines.

5. The hotel has created a check-in app that’s supposed to make it easier to pick up a room key.

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