a press of a button

USAGE SUMMARY

"a press of a button" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "A single press of a button was all she needed to start the machine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

A press of a button and the wheel spins before the ball lands on red.

The Guardian

With a press of a button, the whole place can seem to run itself.

Harvard Business Review

The chief feature is that with a press of a button behind the watering nozzle, an electric motor quietly and smoothly winds the hose back into the housing.

The New York Times

And it shows; the water tank's hidden away and your coffee is produced at a touch of a finger rather than a press of a button.

Independent

A few taps and a press of a button and you can Tweet your holiday greeting to the world, let alone to Granny, from your mobile phone.

Independent

But each time we returned, we opened them with a press of a button, compounding the theatrical impression Syracuse left on us.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

(Don't worry, though restarting any course is just a press of a B button away, on an Xbox pad, and you can practice particular sections by teleporting back to select checkpoints with X).

Vice

(Don't worry, though – restarting any course is just a press of a B button away, on an Xbox pad, and you can practise particular sections by teleporting back to select checkpoints with X).

Vice

A press of any button on the controller brings a gust of wind, with the flower opening to the sun and shedding a solitary petal.

The Telegraph

Removing any awkward stops, or track mixups, it's simply a playlist and a press of the button.

Vice

Second, achieving a tightly packed cone of cannabis requires a little bit more than a press of the button.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a straightforward process or automated action, use "a press of a button" to emphasize simplicity and ease of use. For example, "The application starts with "a press of a button"."

Common error

While widely understood, "a press of a button" can sometimes sound too informal for certain professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "through automated activation" or "via a single command" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a press of a button" functions as an adverbial modifier or prepositional phrase, describing how something is done. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. It modifies a verb by specifying the means or method by which an action is performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a press of a button" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey the ease and simplicity of initiating an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it's best to consider more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize convenience and automation, but be mindful of the context to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the push of a button

Replaces "press" with "push", maintaining the same meaning of initiating an action.

with a button press

Changes the structure to emphasize the action of pressing a button.

by pressing a button

Focuses on the method of activation rather than the action itself.

with a simple button press

Adds emphasis to the easiness of the action.

at the click of a button

Substitutes "press" with "click", suggesting a digital or electronic action.

by tapping a button

Changes from pressing to tapping, implying a lighter touch.

with a single touch

Generalizes the action to any kind of "touch", not necessarily a button.

through button activation

Focuses on the activation method using a button.

via button operation

Highlights the operational aspect of using a button.

with automated activation

Shifts the focus to the automated nature of the process rather than the button itself.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a press of a button" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "through automated activation", "via a single command", or "with automated activation" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a press of a button" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a press of a button" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal language to maintain a professional tone.

What's a more descriptive alternative to "a press of a button"?

Alternatives include "at the push of a button", "with a simple button press", or "at the click of a button", each slightly altering the nuance of the action.

Can "a press of a button" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "a press of a button" can be used metaphorically to describe any action that is simple and easily initiated. For instance, "Success wasn't just "a press of a button", it required years of dedication."