go to settings

USAGE SUMMARY

"go to settings" is a valid and often used phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to accessing certain options in a computer or device, for example, "To access the privacy settings on your device, go to settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To set a password, go to Settings > Security > Screen lock.

Stanford University

O.K., next go to "Settings".

The New Yorker

Go to Settings > General > Usage > Battery Usage.

The Guardian - Tech

In the Start menu, go to Settings and select Taskbar.

The New York Times - Tech

Go to Settings > Find My Phone to edit these options.

The Guardian - Tech

Go to Settings > Lock Screen to enable it.

The Guardian - Tech

Go to Settings, then General, then Keyboard, then International Keyboards.

The New York Times - Tech

Go to Settings > Language and Keyboard.

TechCrunch

Go to Settings → Messages → Send as SMS.

TechCrunch

Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars.

TechCrunch

On your device, go to Settings> General> Software Update.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, be specific about the path to settings, e.g., "Go to Settings > General > Software Update" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply saying "Go to settings" without providing context. Not all users know where to find settings on every device or platform. Always specify the device or application and any necessary preliminary steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go to settings" functions primarily as an imperative directive. It instructs the user to navigate to the settings menu, a fundamental action in device and software usage. Ludwig examples show this instruction across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go to settings" is a very common and straightforward directive used to instruct users on how to access configuration options within a device or application. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, from informal guides to more technical documentation. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted with alternatives like "access configuration menu" for professional settings. To ensure clarity, especially for less tech-savvy users, always specify the full path to the desired setting. Remember not to take user familiarity for granted, by providing as much context as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

access the settings menu

Replaces the verb "go" with "access" and specifies "menu" for clarity.

navigate to settings

Uses "navigate" instead of "go", suggesting a more guided or directed process.

open settings

Employs "open" for a direct and simple instruction to access settings.

proceed to settings

Suggests moving forward to settings as the next step in a process.

enter settings

Implies accessing settings as a means of entering a configuration area.

configure system preferences

More formal alternative, focusing on adjusting system settings.

adjust device options

Highlights changing settings as a means of adjusting device behavior.

modify application parameters

Technical alternative, emphasizing changing specific application settings.

change settings

Directly states the action of changing settings, omitting the navigational aspect.

settings panel

Refers to the settings area itself, rather than the act of accessing it.

FAQs

How can I tell someone to change a specific setting?

Be precise. For example, instead of just saying "go to settings", say, "Go to Settings > Wi-Fi" to directly guide the user.

What's a more formal way to say "go to settings"?

In a formal context, you might say "access the configuration menu" or "modify system preferences".

Is it okay to use "go to settings" in technical documentation?

Yes, "go to settings" is generally acceptable, especially in user guides and tutorials. However, always ensure clarity by specifying the full path. For highly technical documentation, consider more precise terms like "access the settings interface".

What's the difference between "go to settings" and "open settings"?

While both are similar, "go to settings" implies a process of navigation, whereas "open settings" suggests a more direct action. The choice depends on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.