A method checks the state of a set of memory cells of a memory having memory cells arranged in a memory array, row and column decoders for selecting a memory cell, and a sense amplifier for supplying a state of the selected memory cell depending on whether the selected memory cell is conductive or non-conductive. The method includes features wherein all the memory cells of a set grouping together several memory cells are selected, and then simultaneously coupled to the sense amplifier, and the sense amplifier supplies a global state of all the selected memory cells to which it is coupled, if the latter are simultaneously non-conductive. Application is provided to the checking of a command for block-erasing a memory.