CLICK ON

Human Communication

"In navigating life's vast knowledge stream, we must often click on wisdom, which unfolds in bursts at each decisive moment."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'click on' means to select an item on a computer screen, especially by pressing a mouse button on it.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'click on' means to select an item on a computer screen, especially by pressing a mouse button on it.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particle must remain together.
Register
Neutral
Commonly used across both spoken and written contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object, typically an icon or link.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple click on I often click on icons to open applications.
Past Simple clicked on She clicked on the wrong file yesterday.
Present Continuous clicking on He is clicking on different options right now.
Present Perfect have clicked on They have clicked on every available link.

💡 When to Use

Navigating online pages
Use when instructing or describing the act of selecting links or icons on digital platforms.
Example: "To start the program, click on the start button."
Technical support
Used during instructions or troubleshooting that involves selecting digital elements on a screen.
Example: "Could you click on the settings icon for more options?"
Digital tutorials
Employ when guiding through software or website features during a training session.
Example: "Click on the file menu to see the new document options."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Missing object
❌ Wrong: He clicked on.
✅ Correct: He clicked on the link.
💡 Tip: Remember to mention what is being clicked.
Using 'on' unnecessarily
❌ Wrong: Click the icon on.
✅ Correct: Click on the icon.
💡 Tip: No need to add 'on' after 'click'.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: She click on the button.
✅ Correct: She clicked on the button.
💡 Tip: Ensure correct verb tense for past actions.
Practice

CLICK ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

select choose

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To begin the quiz, ___ on the green button below."

press on
click on
press
touch

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Click On

What is the origin of click on?

+
The phrasal verb originates from the early days of computing, combining the action of a 'click' with a mouse to interact with on-screen elements.

Can click on be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'click on' can be used in both contexts, though it is more prevalent in informal digital communication or technical instructions.

What is the difference between click on and select?

+
'Click on' specifically refers to the act using a mouse or touchpad, whereas 'select' is more general and can occur in various contexts, digital or otherwise.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

selectpoint attap onpress onopen up
Browse All Computers The Digital Leap Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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