clicking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'clicking' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a present participle verb, meaning the action of pressing or making a clicking sound. Examples: 1. The sound of the keyboard clicking filled the quiet office. 2. I couldn't concentrate on my work with all the clicking of the mouse next to me. 3. She was addicted to the satisfying clicking sound of her pen. 4. The photographer captured the moment the camera shutter clicked. 5. The mechanic checked the car's engine by clicking on various parts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We weren't used to clicking".

The Guardian - Tech

"We gotta stop clicking on the lowest common denominator, bottom feeding link bait," Kohn said.

The Guardian

Clicking the start button brings up a menu, which – although isn't exactly the same as Windows 7 or those before it – is more familiar than the full-screen tiled interface of Windows 8.

The Guardian - Tech

I don't appreciate clicking 'Guardian' in my favourites to be redirected here.

The Guardian

All the Guardian's global content is still there - you can go back to the UK site by clicking on the 'UK' button at the top left hand corner.

The Guardian

To take action, email the Iraqi Minister for Foreign Affairs and a representative at the Iraqi Embassy by clicking here.

The Guardian

When shoppers reach the "buy now" page, they are offered "free one-day delivery", which takes them into a pop-up page where, by clicking again, they agree to a free 30 day trial, which if not cancelled turns into a £79 a year subscription, with the money debited automatically every year.

The Guardian - Money

Once you start clicking through the interviews, it's hard for viewers to stop listening – and it's harder to dismiss what the Whiteness Project has to say.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Clicking on a train wreck just pours gasoline on it and makes it worse.

The Guardian

You can share your photos, videos and stories by clicking on the "Contribute" button at the top of this article.

The Guardian

While the Guardian website staff try to keep an eye on all community activity, we rely on our users to report abusive, offensive or otherwise inappropriate comments when they appear by clicking on the "report abuse" link which appears next to each comment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing user interaction with software, clarify the context of "clicking". Specify what the user is clicking on, such as "clicking the button" or "clicking the link", for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "clicking" without specifying the target, which can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying, "After clicking, the page loaded", specify, "After "clicking the submit button", the page loaded".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clicking" is as a present participle, often acting as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is clicking") or as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun, e.g., "clicking is fun"). Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clicking" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, commonly found in neutral contexts such as news articles, business documents and scientific publications. As Ludwig AI explains, this term is used to describe a mouse action on a computer, and also an audible sound. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify what the user is "clicking on". While generally correct, avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the target of the clicking action. Its wide usage across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist confirms its place as a common and accepted term in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing

Focuses on the physical act of applying pressure, similar to clicking a button.

selecting

Highlights the choice or selection aspect involved in clicking an option.

activating

Emphasizes the initiation of a function or process by clicking.

actuating

Implies a mechanical or electronic action resulting from a click.

operating

Describes the use of a device or system through clicking.

engaging

Suggests interaction or involvement triggered by a click.

tapping

Emphasizes a light, quick touch, especially on a screen.

manipulating

Focuses on the handling or controlling aspect via clicking.

accessing

Indicates gaining entry or reaching something through a click.

navigating

Highlights the movement or exploration through clicking.

FAQs

How is the word "clicking" typically used in sentences?

The word "clicking" is commonly used as a verb in the present participle form, often describing the action of using a mouse or selecting an item on a computer screen. It can also refer to a sharp, brief sound. For example, "clicking on the link" or "the sound of the lock clicking shut".

What are some alternative words to use instead of "clicking"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "pressing", "selecting", or "tapping" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific action you're describing.

Is it correct to say "clicking on" or "clicking"?

Both "clicking on" and "clicking" are commonly used and generally correct, but "clicking on" is often preferred for clarity, especially when specifying the object being clicked. For example, "clicking on the icon" is more explicit than just "clicking the icon".

What's the difference between "clicking" and "double-clicking"?

"Clicking" refers to a single press and release of a mouse button, while "double-clicking" involves two quick presses and releases. Double-clicking is often used to open files or execute programs, whereas single-clicking is often used to select items.