# click on sth

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/click-on-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Click in the icon." but "Click on the icon." — English uses the preposition 'on' because you are interacting with a surface or a specific point on the screen.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.