Check in vs. Check-in: Which is Correct? (Grammar + Examples)

Is it check in or check-in? Do travelers check in or check-in at hotels? Is that the check-in counter or the check in counter? Do I need to check in or check-in with her? It is very common for people to get confused about when and where to use these words.

Some words are versatile in the sense that they can be used as multiple parts of speech. This can be attributed to the absence and presence of the hyphen.

Which is correct, is it check in or check-in?

Both are correct and can get used in the proper context.

Meaning of Check in

Check in is a verb phrase that means to register at a hotel or to report your presence or arrival. It means that an action is taking place. 

Other conjugated forms of check in are checked in and checking in.

When to use “Check in”

Travelers around the globe check in at hotels and airports. A class teacher can check in with the students to confirm assignment completion.

This phrase can also be used to get an update or to check up on something such as task completion, date, time, or the location to meet at.

Check in: Sentence Examples

Example 1: Passengers are requested to check in three hours before the flight schedule.

Example 2: Kindly check in at the reception desk, give your details and sign your name in the register.

Example 3: He has checked in at Heathrow Airport for a flight to Manchester and would land by the evening. 

Example 4: She was checking in with the architects to get an update on her new home’s construction project.

Example 5: They headed to check in at the hotel for their 10 days vacation in Amsterdam.

Meaning of Check-in

In the hyphenated form, check-in is a noun or at times, an adjective. It means an act or instance of checking in, as a noun. As an adjective, it refers to an object used for this purpose such as the time or place. 

When to use “Check-in”

Check-in can be used as either a noun or a phrasal adjective. It can describe an area or a place that was chosen for checking in.

Check-in can also be used in a manner such that it provides information on where and when a person will register upon arrival. It can also refer to the location or time to meet others. 

Check-in: Sentence Examples

Example 1: He hurried off the bus to make advantage of the early check-in offer at the hotel and get some well-deserved rest after an 18-hour journey.

Example 2: There was a huge rush at the check-in desk in the hotel lobby on account of the Christmas vacation in New York.

Example 3: Due to the delayed check-in time on the hotel’s end, our family was upgraded to a suite.

Example 4: You need to reach latest by 12 pm, or else you will be charged a hefty check-in fee.

Example 5: We were offered the best chocolate chip cookies we ever had, as soon as we arrived at the check-in desk.

If you keep wondering how to use the words check in and check-in, remember that the word check is a verb. Without a hyphen, check in is used as a verbal phrase. With a hyphen, check-in can be used as a noun or an adjective. Also, reading more on the use of hyphens can help you gain a better understanding.