Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈɛk əpˌɒn] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "check upon" is "check up on." In phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced /tʃɛk ʌp ɒn/. The reason for this spelling is that "up" and "on" are both prepositions that can be used after the verb "check," but "upon" is not a common preposition pairing with "check." It is important to use the correct spelling and phrasing in order to convey clear and accurate communication.
The phrase "check upon" refers to the act of verifying, monitoring, or inspecting something or someone to ensure accuracy, correctness, or compliance with certain guidelines or standards. It implies a sense of vigilance, surveillance, or examination in order to make sure that everything is in order or to detect any potential issues or problems.
When one "checks upon" a situation, it involves a systematic review or evaluation to determine its progress, well-being, or conformity to specific expectations. This can apply to various contexts, such as work, education, health, or legal matters. For instance, a supervisor may "check upon" the progress of a project to ensure that it is advancing according to the set timelines or specifications.
In addition, "checking upon" individuals can also refer to monitoring their behavior, actions, or well-being. Parents might "check upon" their children to ensure their safety or well-being, while healthcare professionals may "check upon" their patients to assess their medical condition and recovery. It can also imply verifying or confirming the accuracy or truth of something, like "checking upon" a fact or data point mentioned in a report or document.
Overall, "check upon" conveys the sense of actively examining or investigating a situation, person, or information to ascertain its accuracy, quality, or adherence to certain standards.
The etymology of the phrase "check upon" can be traced back to the two individual words: "check" and "upon".
1. Check: The word "check" originates from the Old French word "eschequier", which means a chessboard or a checkerboard. This term was derived from the Latin word "scaccus" (pronounced "shakhus"), which also referred to a chessboard. Over time, "check" gained various meanings related to the game of chess, including the action of restraining or controlling an opponent's moves. By extension, it came to mean examining or verifying something, such as accounts or lists, to ensure their accuracy.
2. Upon: The word "upon" has its root in the Old English word "uppan", which means "on" or "on top of". This term evolved from the Proto-Germanic language, where the word was "ufan".
