"Checks upon" is a common phrase used to describe scrutiny or assessment. In terms of spelling, "checks" is pronounced /tʃɛks/, with the "ch" sounding like "ch" in "church" and the "e" sounding like "e" in "bed". "Upon", on the other hand, is pronounced /əˈpɒn/, with the stress on the second syllable and the "o" sounding like "o" in "go". The combination of these two words results in the commonly used phrase "checks upon", which is often interpreted to mean "evaluation" or "review".
The term "checks upon" refers to the various mechanisms or actions implemented to monitor, control, or regulate something in order to ensure accuracy, correctness, or compliance. It involves the process of verifying or verifying the progress, development, or maintenance of a particular system, activity, process, or behavior.
Checks upon may manifest in different forms, such as established protocols, procedures, guidelines, or rules, designed to evaluate or scrutinize various aspects of a specific subject matter. These checks serve as safeguards or preventative measures to minimize errors, fraud, or illegal activities, promoting accountability and transparency. They act as safeguards against potential risks, hazards, or deviations from predetermined standards.
Checks upon can be applied in various contexts. For instance, in financial transactions or accounting practices, checks upon involve reconciling records, audits, or reviews to detect discrepancies or any suspicious or fraudulent activities. In the political sphere, it refers to the separation of powers, where different branches of government exert checks upon one another to prevent concentration of power or abuse.
The aim of implementing checks upon is to ensure that systems, processes, or behaviors align with established norms, objectives, or regulations. By subjecting operations to checks upon, organizations or institutions can maintain quality, integrity, or compliance. Checks upon also play a crucial role in preventing corruption, maintaining ethical standards, or protecting the interests of individuals, groups, or societies.
The phrase "checks upon" does not have a direct etymology as it is a combination of two words. However, we can analyze the etymology of each word separately.
1. Checks: The word "check" originated from the Old French word "eschequier" meaning "chequerboard" or "chessboard". It ultimately traces back to the Arabic word "šāh", which translates to "king" in English. This term was used in the game of chess, which involved placing obstacles or "checks" in order to limit the opponent's movements. Over time, "check" came to indicate any sort of obstacle, restriction, or verification.
2. Upon: The word "upon" has its roots in Old English. It evolved from the combination of the two words "on" and "up".