English Reference

Phrasal verb

click on sth

Definition

phrasal verb. to choose something on a computer screen by pressing a button on your mouse or touchpad.

phrasal verb. to select a digital element or trigger a hyperlink by depressing a mouse button or equivalent input device.

Examples

“You need to click on the link to open the file.”

“If you click on the 'Submit' button, your application will be sent to the manager immediately.”

“Users are advised to exercise caution before they click on any suspicious attachments found in unsolicited emails from unknown senders.”

Examples

simple

“You need to click on the link to open the file.”

contextual

“If you click on the 'Submit' button, your application will be sent to the manager immediately.”

complex

“Users are advised to exercise caution before they click on any suspicious attachments found in unsolicited emails from unknown senders.”

Usage

the object is usually a digital item like a button, icon, or link.

Teaching tip

note that 'click' can be used without 'on' (e.g., 'click the button'), but 'click on' is very common when referring to a specific target on the screen.

Pitfall

Click in the icon.

Click on the icon.

English uses the preposition 'on' because you are interacting with a surface or a specific point on the screen.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

click + on + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

ignoredeselect

Grammar

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference