Are these sentences natural? March 19

Question

Hi,
Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
1. Can you check to see if any news is out on the north project?
2. Do you have an estimate of what you are expecting in 2013?
3. In saying that, we do have some minor tasks to be completed. ( I was saying that even though the project is complete, there are some lose ends that need to be taken care of)

Thanks,
MG

JohnParis · Accepted Answer

1. No. Can you see if there's any news from (about) the north project?
2. No. What's your estimate for 2013?
3. No. That said, a few loose ends still need to be tied up.

Poojap210 · Answer

2. expctng govt. gob

Musicgold · Answer

Thanks John.A follow up with respect to #1. I have seen many native speakers use this frame: "check to see". Can you please give a few examples of the use of that phrase?Thanks.

JohnParis · Answer

Please check to see that you packed my swimsuit, will you?
He walked up on the porch and checked to see that the door was locked one final time before setting off on vacation.
Check to see that there's enough water before beginning the wash cycle.

MalRey · Answer

For what it's worth I don't have a problem with sentences 2 and 3. Number one is awkward and unnatural, here is a better version: Can you check to see if there's any news out on the north project?

Musicgold · Answer

Thanks John. As you can see, all of your examples should work fine even if we replaced 'check to see' with 'check'. Then, what is the point in using 'to see' ?

JohnParis · Answer

MG - No problem at all with replacing "check to see" with "check with."
There is, however, a question of nuance. If you want my opinion, send me an email or a PM.

Are these sentences natural? March 19

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