Checks vs. Cheques – Which is Correct?
The difference between checks and cheques is purely a matter of regional spelling. Checks is the standard spelling in American English, referring to a written order to a bank to pay a specified sum. Cheques is the accepted spelling in British English and many Commonwealth countries for the same financial instrument.
Checks or Cheques – Which is Correct?
When deciding between “checks” and “cheques,” the correct choice depends entirely on your geographical location and the audience you are addressing. In American English, “checks” is the universally accepted and correct spelling for both the financial instrument and the verb meaning to verify or examine. “Cheques” is the British English spelling specifically for the financial document. For American audiences, “checks” is always the appropriate term. The root cause of this difference is a historical divergence in spelling conventions between American and British English over time.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checks | Noun / Verb | (Noun) A written order to a bank to pay money; (Verb) To verify, inspect, or stop. | I need to deposit these checks at the bank. / Please check your work carefully. |
| Cheques | Noun | (British English) A written order to a bank to pay money. | In the UK, you write cheques to pay bills. |
How to Use Checks
The word “checks” is a versatile term in American English, functioning as both a plural noun and a third-person singular present tense verb. As a noun, it primarily refers to the financial documents used for payment, but it can also refer to patterns, inspections, or restraints. As a verb, it means to examine, verify, control, or stop something. Its usage is common in both formal and casual contexts, making it a fundamental word in daily communication and financial transactions.
Example 1: The company issues payroll checks every two weeks.
Example 2: Before leaving, he always checks that all the doors are locked.
Example 3: The doctor performs regular health checks on her patients.
What are the different forms of Checks?
As a noun, “check” becomes “checks” in its plural form. As a verb, “check” has several forms depending on tense and subject:
- Base Form: check (e.g., “I check”)
- Third-Person Singular Present: checks (e.g., “He checks”)
- Present Participle: checking (e.g., “They are checking”)
- Past Tense/Past Participle: checked (e.g., “She checked,” “It was checked”)
Etymology of the word Checks
The word “check” has a rich etymological history, originating from Old French “eschec” (meaning a stop or a chess move). This, in turn, came from Persian “shah” (king), referring to the game of chess. The sense of “to stop” or “to control” evolved from the chess term “checkmate.” Its financial meaning, referring to a bank draft, emerged in the 18th century, stemming from the idea of “checking” or verifying an account balance before payment.
Understanding these various verb forms is crucial, especially when considering regional differences like checking versus chequing in financial terminology.
Related Concepts
The distinction between “checks” and “cheques” highlights a common phenomenon in the English language: regional spelling variations. These differences arose historically due to various factors, including the preferences of influential lexicographers (like Noah Webster in America), the evolution of pronunciation, and a desire for national linguistic identity. Other notable examples include “color” (US) vs. “colour” (UK), “center” (US) vs. “centre” (UK), and “traveler” (US) vs. “traveller” (UK). Understanding these regional differences is crucial for effective communication, especially in international business and publishing, to ensure that content is appropriate for its target audience.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “He wrote a personal check for the full amount, surprising the car salesman.” (From a contemporary novel)
- “The auditor performs monthly checks on the company’s financial records.” (From a business news report)
- “After a thorough background check, the candidate was offered the position.” (From a legal drama script)
- “She deposited her government stimulus check directly into her savings account.” (From a financial advice blog)
- “The coach made a quick check of the players’ equipment before the game began.” (From a sports commentary)
Checks Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| (Noun) Draft | A written order, typically for money, drawn by one party on another. |
| (Noun) Inspection | Careful examination or scrutiny. |
| (Noun) Verification | The process of establishing the truth, accuracy, or validity of something. |
| (Verb) Verify | To make sure or demonstrate that something is true, accurate, or justified. |
| (Verb) Examine | To inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition. |
| (Verb) Control | To determine the behavior or supervise the running of. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “cheques” ever acceptable in American English?
No, “cheques” is not considered acceptable in American English. While Americans would understand its meaning due to cultural exposure, it would be marked as a misspelling in formal writing or by spell-checkers configured for American English.
Question 2: Does the pronunciation differ between “checks” and “cheques”?
No, the pronunciation of “checks” and “cheques” is identical. Both are pronounced with the /tʃɛks/ sound. The difference is solely in their written form based on regional spelling conventions.
Question 3: Are there other words with similar American vs. British spelling differences?
Yes, many words exhibit this pattern. Common examples include “color” (US) vs. “colour” (UK), “analyze” (US) vs. “analyse” (UK), “defense” (US) vs. “defence” (UK), and “jewelry” (US) vs. “jewellery” (UK).
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between “checks” and “cheques” boils down to geography. For American English speakers and writers, “checks” is the correct and only acceptable spelling for the financial instrument and its various verbal uses. “Cheques” is the standard spelling in British English and many other English-speaking nations. Understanding this distinction is vital for clear communication and maintaining professional credibility.
Pro Tip: Always consider your audience. If you’re writing for an American audience or using American English conventions, stick to “checks.” If you’re targeting a British audience, “cheques” would be appropriate. Consistency is key in any written work.
