click the button

USAGE SUMMARY

"click the button" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in instructions so the reader can perform a specific action, such as in computer directions. For example, "To open the document, click the button at the bottom of the screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Click the button below.

The Washington Post

Simply click the button below.

Harvard University

Then click the button.

Vice

Click the button twice.

WikiHow

Just click the button.

WikiHow

Click the button "Download".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Double-click the button.

WikiHow

Instead of clicking the "-" button, click the "+" button.

WikiHow

Click the Select button, then click the Copy button.

WikiHow

Click on the button.

WikiHow

Click the Save Changes button.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "click the button" primarily for digital interfaces; for physical devices, consider "press the button" or "push the button".

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who should perform the action. Instead of "The button should be clicked", write "Click the button."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "click the button" is as an imperative, which is used to give a direct command or instruction. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English, primarily in instructional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

61%

News & Media

7%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

26%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "click the button" is a common and grammatically sound imperative phrase used to provide direct instructions, particularly in digital contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While most frequently found in Wiki and how-to guides, it also appears in news articles and academic materials. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which button to click, and consider the context to determine if a more formal alternative is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

press the button

Replaces "click" with "press", focusing on the physical action of depressing a button.

push the button

Similar to "press the button", it emphasizes the physical action of pushing.

select the button

Uses "select" instead of "click", emphasizing the choice aspect.

choose the button

Focuses on the selection aspect, similar to 'select the button'.

tap the button

Employs "tap", implying a lighter, quicker action compared to a full click.

activate the button

Substitutes "click" with "activate", highlighting the initiation of a function.

depress the button

More formal and technical term for pressing a button.

engage the button

Similar to activate, but with a slightly more technical tone.

hit the button

Uses "hit" suggesting a more forceful action.

operate the button

Implies using the button as part of a process or operation.

FAQs

What does "click the button" mean?

The phrase "click the button" is an instruction to press a button on a computer or other electronic device, typically using a mouse or touchpad.

How do I use "click the button" in a sentence?

The phrase "click the button" is used in imperative sentences to give a direct command. For example, "To submit the form, "click the button" labeled 'Submit'."

What can I say instead of "click the button"?

You can use alternatives like "press the button", "select the button", or "tap the button" depending on the context.

Is "click on the button" grammatically correct?

While "click on the button" is sometimes used, ""click the button"" is more concise and commonly preferred in technical writing and instructions.