Check vs. Cheque : Difference with Example

Confusing similar-sounding words in English is not something new. Everyone has been there definitely. This just doesn’t happen because the words sound similar but also because different countries have influenced and changed the original words over the years. 

In this tutorial, we will learn about the differences between two such words – Cheque and Check. 

Check vs. Cheque : Difference with Example

How is the Word Cheque Different from Check

Originally, the words cheque and check meant the same thing. However, the usage of different spellings in British and American English has added another dimension to these words. In fact, it is now no more common to use these words interchangeably. 

The word Cheque 

The word Cheque is a Noun, and it means, a document related to the bank which is used to deposit or withdraw money. This is a British word with no other meanings associated to it. 

However, this word was initially spelt as ‘check’. Later, when it was changed to ‘Cheque’, the two words were used interchangeably for some period of time until in the 19th century, a decision to make the spelling ‘Cheque’ as the standard was made. 

Since then, the word Cheque is used as a financial tool. Note that, it is only in the American English where the spelling ‘check’ is used instead of ‘Cheque’. 

The word Check 

The word Check can be used both as a Noun as well a Verb, and thus it has multiple meanings. Note that this is an American word, but it also appears in British usage. 

Check as a Noun

As a noun, the Americans regard this word as a document related to bank which is used to deposit and withdraw money. 

However, other common meanings include-

• something that secures or limits the exploitation from power
• an inspection or review
• in the game of chess where king is at risk 
• a tick mark to show approval or correctness
• a square pattern like on a checkerboard

Check as a Verb 

As a verb, the word check can have the following meanings-

• to make an inspection or audit
• to put a tick mark 
• to put a restraint on something 

The difference – Cheque and Check 

Summarizing what we have learnt so far, as an American, you can use the word ‘check’ for all the meanings mentioned above. However otherwise, use the word ‘cheque’ for things related to finance and use the word ‘check’ for other meanings like inspection, correctness, tick mark and restraint, etc.  

Examples of sentences with the word Cheque 

The word Cheque can be used as follows- 

• The cashier did not accept my cheque because it was torn from the edges.
• I will ask the company to issue a cheque for refund. 
• The bank is charging a high fee for processing the cheque.

You can see that here the word has only one meaning as discussed before. 

Examples of sentences with the word Check

Depending on the context, the word Check can be used as follows-

• Will you please check if you have received the mail?
• The teacher will check the assignments on Monday. 
• You should always check the expiry date of medicines before using them. 

How to remember the difference between cheque and check 

Whenever confused with the usage of the words ‘cheque’ and ‘check’, refer to this trick. 

The word cheque includes ‘qu’ in its spelling which is quite different. And different things are not very common, right? Thus, stick to using the word ‘check’ most of the times.