‘Checkin’ or ‘Check In’: How to Spell it Correctly?

You are not alone if you are wondering whether 'checkin' or 'check in' is the correct spelling. But I can help!

Here is the short answer:

• 'Checkin' is always a misspelling.
• 'Check in' is a verbal phrase to tell someone to report their arrival.

However, there is more to the story. So, if you want to know how to use this term correctly, keep reading!

Which is the Correct Spelling, 'Checkin' or 'Check In?'

Between 'checkin' or 'check in,' only the latter is an accurate spelling. However, there are times when you should use 'check-in' instead. For example, if you are talking about a process of checking in, you use the noun form 'check-in.'

When you say someone is checking in, you use the verb form, 'check in.' However, you never spell 'check in' as one word.

Definition of 'Check In': What Does 'Check In' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'check in' is a verbal phrase that means:

• To register at a hotel or event
• To report your arrival or presence
• To discover or report the status of something or someone, especially as part of regular monitoring or communication
• To satisfy requirements for returning objects

Alternative forms of the verbal phrase include 'checked in,' checking in,' and 'checks in.'

Synonyms of 'Check In'

• Report
• Report your arrival
• Sign in
• Register
• Enroll
• Book in
• Announce yourself
• Blow in
• Pop in
• Breeze in
• Clock in

Definition of 'Check-In': What Does 'Check-In' Mean?

As I mentioned, 'checkin' is always an error. However, 'check-in' is the correct spelling.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'check-in' is a noun or an adjective that refers to a place or time where someone checks in.  In noun form, 'check-in' means:

• The act of checking in

'Check-in' can also be an adjective that describes other nouns, for example:

• Check-in time
• Check-in counter
• Check-in process
• Check-in staff

Synonyms of 'Check-In'

• Front desk
• Reception desk
• Guard booth
• Welcome desk
• Sign-in sheet
• Guest sign-in
• Visitor log
• Visitor desk
• Reservation desk

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Check-In' or 'Check In'

Regarding pronunciation, whether you are using 'check-in' or 'check in,' they are the same.

Nevertheless, here is a pronunciation guide you can reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'check-in':

chek-in

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'check in':

chek-in

Writing Tips: When to Use 'Check-In' vs. 'Check In'

You learned that both terms can be grammatically correct if you use them in the proper context. But how do you know when to use 'check-in' or 'check in?' Here are some tips that should help.

• Use 'check-in' as an adjective when describing something involved with checking in.

For example, you might hear me say:

On the first day of high school, Mr. Bobbles told us to sign the check-in sheet at the beginning of every class. If we didn't, he would mark us absent. 

• Use 'check in' as a verb to say that someone is checking in.

So, you could say:

Please check in as soon as you get to school in the morning. That way, you ensure that you receive credit for each day you attend class. 

• Use 'check in' as a verb for touching base with someone.

As an example, you could say:

I just wanted to check in to see if your nosy neighbor still bothers you whenever she walks past your house.

• Use 'check-in' to describe a location where you report your arrival.

For example, you can say:

Please visit the check-in desk in the front lobby when you arrive. 

• Use 'check-in' to describe when to arrive for a hotel reservation.

So, you might hear someone say:

It is ridiculous that check-in is at 3 pm, but you must check out before 11 am. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Check-In' or 'Check In'

Now that you clearly understand the difference between these terms read the sample sentences below. They should help you remember how to use each grammatically.

Check-In

• Please add your updated contact information on the check-in sheet so we can reach you.
• How long does check-in take around here? It feels like we have been waiting for hours.
• When you arrive, visit the check-in desk at the visitor center to let them know you are going to be hiking the trail today. That way, if you do not return, forest rescuers will know you are missing.

Check In

• Let's check in with our friends and then get something for dinner.
• Does anyone have any idea how long it will take me to check in? I do not want to arrive too early, but I also do not want to be late for the seminar.
• Good morning. We will give people a few more minutes to check in before we get started.

Check-In/Check In

• If you plan on checking in at 3 pm, expect the check-in line to be extended because that is when everyone else attending the event will likely arrive.
• The check-in process was pretty straightforward, and after we checked in, the wait was not long.
• Welcome! When you are done checking in, pass the check-in sheet to the person next to you.

Conclusion: Which is Correct 'Checkin' or 'Check-In?'

You've finished this lesson. Here is a quick review of your knowledge about whether 'checkin' or 'check-in' is correct. 

• 'Checkin' is always a grammatical error. 
• 'Check-in' and 'check in' are both grammatically correct when used in the proper context. 
• 'Check-in' is an adjective used to describe something used or involved in checking in. 
• 'Check in' is a verb phrase that means to announce yourself or check with someone about a matter. 

Even experienced professional writers get confused about how to use terms like these correctly occasionally. So, there is never any shame in verifying the correct usage of a word.

This site can be a resource for learning about complex grammar topics and verifying the meanings and usages of frequently misused, misspelled, and mispronounced English words.

So, if you are curious about the meanings of other English terms, check them out before you go, and come back frequently to brush up on your grammar and writing skills.

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