Checkin, Check in, or Check-in? (Helpful Examples)

“Check in” requires a little bit of thought when writing it in your style. You need to make sure you know the differences between writing it as a hyphenated form or a collection of one or two words. This article will help you understand it more.

Check in vs. Check-in vs. Checkin

“Check in” is a phrasal verb, which is an extension of “check.” We do not need to hyphenate it when writing it in this form. “Check-in” is a noun on its own, which we write as a hyphenated variation whenever we mention it (i.e. “you need to visit the check-in”).

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “check in” is the most popular variation of the listed three. It’s more common to talk about “check in” as an action (phrasal verb) that we do than as a noun. “Check-in” does get used, but not nearly as often.

In The Cambridge Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionary, “check in” is officially recognized as the spelling used for the phrasal verb. When talking about an action of something “checking in,” we always use this unhyphenated variation.

Both dictionaries also recognize “check-in” as a variation. However, in both dictionaries, it’s made clear that you should only use it in this manner when it’s written as a noun.

If you’re struggling with the basic differences between nouns and verbs, you can look at the following:

• Noun: After check-in, it would help if you could visit this area again.
• Verb: I will check in at the desk because I’m overdue!

Is “Checkin” One Word?

“Checkin” is never one word. We do not write it in this way because it looks confusing and often doesn’t into writing. It’s too similar to “checking,” which is a verb form of “to check.” To avoid any confusion, it’s best that you do not use this variation in any situation.

And to help clear up any further issues, you can refer to these examples:

• Correct: We should check in in a couple of minutes. I think it’s time!
• Incorrect: Can we checkin at the desk, or do we have to wait?
• Correct: After check-in is completed, we’ll come around with all the goods.
• Incorrect: You should checkin with us as soon as you get the chance.

Is “Check in” Two Words?

“Check in” is a phrasal verb. We use it to explain an action that we take (which means we are showing a ticket or signing up for something). It’s an extension of the verb “to check,” and we do not need to hyphenate it when writing it in this form.

Some people might like to include the hyphen when writing the verb form. However, this is not an officially recognized spelling variation, so it’s better if you do not do this in your own writing.

Why not check out some examples to help you:

1. Would you like to check in today, sir?
2. I thought I managed to check us in, but apparently, I did not.
3. You should check in! I can’t stand waiting around all day!
4. Can we just check in now? I know that we’re early, but we’re here and ready to go!

Is “Check-in” Hyphenated?

You should hyphenate “check-in” when writing it as a phrasal noun. In this form, we use it to demonstrate the action of “checking in” or the place where it occurs. There isn’t a specific act linked with this one; it just shows someone where they can “check in.”

The noun form needs the hyphen because it’s accepted what the two words mean when combined. It’s just a different way of writing the verb form, but we are not talking about any actions when writing like this.

Perhaps these examples will clear things up:

1. The check-in desk is just over there, sir.
2. After check-in is completed, we will talk you through the next steps.
3. Check-in will take a few more minutes, so I hope you don’t mind waiting.
4. Where is check-in going to be?

Is “In” Capitalized In The Word “Check-In”?

There is no reason to capitalize “in” in “check-in” because we do not write it as a proper noun. However, you might find it beneficial to capitalize both parts of the hyphenated form when you include it in a title (but only if every other word is capitalized).