Are you wondering the difference between 'checkout' vs. 'check out?' I can help!
Here is a quick answer:
- 'Checkout' is a noun that describes a place within a store where people pay for their purchases or a time when people leave a hotel.
- 'Check out' is a verb created by combining check and out, which means the process of checking out.
Learn more about these terms and how to use them in this guide. It contains definitions, examples, usage tips, pronunciations, and other essential details to help you remember when to use each.
What's the Difference Between 'Checkout' vs. 'Check Out?'
The difference between 'checkout' vs. 'check out' is that the first word is a noun or adjective, while the second is a verb.
- The noun form is always written as one word, meaning the process of ringing up groceries or products you are buying or the location where you pay.
- 'Check out' as a verb is two separate words, and it means to have your purchases totaled so you can pay for your purchases or to leave a hotel at a specific time designated by the establishment.
When to Use 'Checkout' vs. 'Check Out'
Now that you know the difference between these terms, let's examine how you use them.
- Use 'checkout' as a noun to describe the process of someone paying for the products they chose while shopping.
For example, you might say:
Meet me at the checkout counter, and I will pay for your groceries.
- Use 'checkout' as a noun to describe the time when travelers have to leave their hotel.
For example, you could say:
The checkout time is usually 11 a.m.
- Use 'check out' to describe the action of someone looking at or inspecting something.
For example, you might hear someone say:
Hey, check out that cool car over there.
- Use 'check out' to describe ringing up products for purchase.
For example, you could say:
The clerk checks out the customers at an incredible speed.
- You might use 'checkout' and 'check out' in the same sentence.
For example, I might say:
You must check out by 11 a.m. unless you ask the hotel clerk for a late checkout.
Definition of 'Checkout': What Does 'Checkout' Mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'checkout' is a noun defined as:
- The action or time when someone is checking out
It can also mean:
- Death
- The action or time when someone leaves a hotel
- The time when a lodger must leave a hotel or incur additional charges
- The counter where people pay for things in a store or restaurant
- The action of checking something for functionality or inspecting something
Synonyms of 'Checkout'
- Test
- Test drive
- Trial
- Trial run
- Reinspection
- Inspect
- Observation
- Investigation
- Scan
- Exploration
Definition of 'Check Out': What Does 'Check Out' Mean?
The same resource defines 'check out' as a verb that means:
- To leave a hotel and pay one's bill
It can also mean:
- To ring up or tally the cost of items one wants to purchase
- When a clerk charges a lodger at a hotel for their stay
- To have the total cost of your purchases calculated and itemized
- To satisfy the requirement to pay for items before leaving with them
- To have your items totaled and rendered a payment for them before leaving a store
Synonyms of 'Check Out'
- Die
- Pass away
- Leave
- Exit
- Fall
- Buy
- Expire
- Succumb
- Examine
- Pay
- Survey
- Inspect
- Total
- Audit
- Scrutinize
- Oversee
- Study
- Research
- Comb (over)
- Pore (over)
- Explore
- Investigate
- Notice
- Observe
- See
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Checkout' vs. 'Check Out'
Now, let's look at the pronunciation of 'checkout' vs. 'check out.' Learning pronunciation is essential whether you are learning English as a second language or working on your writing skills.
It helps you to gain confidence to use terms in written and verbal communication, and it can help you remember the difference between two or more confusing terms.
So, here is a quick pronunciation guide you can follow.
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'checkout':
chek-aut
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'check out':
chek aut
As you can see, the pronunciation of these terms is almost identical.
Sample Sentences 'Checkout' vs. 'Check Out'
Here are some sample sentences using these two terms. Read them to learn how to use these terms in different contexts.
Checkout
- We went to the checkout counter to pay for our purchases, but no one was there.
- The checkout line was ridiculous, so we chose to go to self-checkout.
- The clerk will tell you what is due when you go to the checkout.
- The checkout counter is at the front of the store.
- The cashier worked at the checkout stand all day.
Check Out
- You need to make sure you check out from the hotel on time. Otherwise, they will charge you for another day.
- The clerk checks out the guests quickly and efficiently.
- You must go to the counter and check out before leaving with your purchases.
- If you plan to have children, check out the companies offering extended maternity and paternity leave.
- We checked out later, but the hotel clerk did not add any additional fees.
Final Review of 'Checkout' vs. 'Check Out'
Finally, let's recap what you learned about the difference between 'checkout' vs. 'check out':
- 'Checkout' is a noun that describes the place or process where people pay for purchases.
- 'Check out' is a verb that describes the action of someone leaving a hotel or paying for items they are buying.
Regarding these terms, it is essential to remember that the noun form is one word, and the verb form is two. Even when you know the difference between them, it can be challenging to remember the difference.
So, you can always come back to this page for a review. You can also take a look at the other guides in the confusing words section here to learn more about other words English speakers and writers commonly mix up.
They are an excellent way to learn new words and improve your grammar and spelling because each guide contains definitions, examples, and usage tips to help you comprehend the difference and remember how to use them.
