ADJ

complete, full, thorough
careful, close, rigorous, tight
cursory, quick
periodic, regular, routine
annual, daily, etc.
constant, continuous
random, spot
In a series of spot checks, police searched buses crossing the border
cross (also cross-check), double (also double-check)
independent
visual
I did a quick visual check of the engine
dental, fitness, health, medical
police, safety, security
identity
customs, immigration, passport
stock
quality
spell/spelling
I do a spell check on all my emails
sound
The band wants to do a sound check before the concert

VERB + CHECK

carry out, conduct, do, give sth, have, make, run
I'll just have a quick check to see if the letter's arrived. A thorough check is made before the luggage is put on the plane. We're running a police check on all applicants for the job
keep, maintain
Police are keeping a close check on the house
go for
I have to go for a dental check

PREP

~ on
a routine check on the factory

ADJ

natural
Leaving some fields fallow provided a natural check on insect populations

VERB + CHECK

act as, provide
hold sth in, keep sth in
You need to keep your temper in check!

PREP

~ on
The law acts as a check on people's behaviour