accessing the internet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accessing the internet" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the act of connecting to and using the internet, either through a computer or other device. Example: "I had trouble accessing the internet on my phone, so I had to switch to my laptop to finish my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there a cheap way of accessing the internet abroad?

The Guardian - Travel

Do you believe sanctions should be appropriate for accessing the internet in this way?

The Guardian - Money

Similar to Balgobin, about 13% of these household report accessing the internet on their cellphones.

The Guardian - Money

1.00pm: There are widespread complaints from inside Iran of problems accessing the internet.

The Guardian

With no computer, he had no way of accessing the Internet.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, it involves locking their mother in the pantry, as she curses, and accessing the internet.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Before accessing the Internet through Freegate, I was really a pro-government guy".

The New York Times

Even for phone users, Wi-Fi has become the most popular way of accessing the internet.

The Guardian - Business

Increasing numbers of Argentines have bought personal computers and begun accessing the Internet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Around £130 plus line rental and call charges for accessing the internet.

The Guardian

There are various ways accessing the Internet can aid in engaging students in their writing.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing internet access, be specific about the context. For example, instead of just saying "accessing the internet", specify the device or method used, such as "accessing the internet via mobile phone" or "accessing the internet through a public Wi-Fi network".

Common error

Be mindful of assuming universal internet access. Phrases like "everyone is accessing the internet" can be misleading, as digital divides and access limitations still exist in many regions and demographics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accessing the internet" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes the act of connecting to the internet for various purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "accessing the internet" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of connecting to the internet. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it serves to inform and describe the action of gaining online access. While neutral in register, specific contexts may favor more casual alternatives. Remember to consider the device and context when discussing internet access and avoid overgeneralizing about universal access.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connecting to the internet

Focuses on the action of establishing a connection rather than the ongoing activity.

getting online

A more informal and concise way to describe gaining access to the internet.

going on the internet

Similar to 'getting online' but with a slightly different preposition.

browsing the web

Emphasizes the activity of exploring the internet once access is established.

logging onto the internet

Focuses on the authentication process required to gain access.

using internet services

Highlights the utilization of various services available through the internet.

surfing the web

A more casual term emphasizing exploration and navigation.

navigating the internet

Highlights the process of moving through different websites and online resources.

utilizing the web

Emphasizes the practical application and use of the internet as a resource.

exploring the online world

A broader term emphasizing the vastness and variety of the internet.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "accessing the internet"?

You can use alternatives like "connecting to the internet", "getting online", or "browsing the web" depending on the context.

Is "accessing the internet" formal or informal?

"Accessing the internet" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more casual alternatives like "getting online" may be preferred in informal settings.

How do I use "accessing the internet" in a sentence?

You can use "accessing the internet" as a gerund phrase, for example: "Accessing the internet has become an essential part of modern life" or "Many students rely on "accessing the internet" for research."

What is the difference between ""accessing the internet"" and "using the internet"?

"Accessing the internet" refers to the initial act of connecting, while "using the internet" describes the subsequent activities performed online.