pass the mouse cursor over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass the mouse cursor over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of computer interfaces, particularly when giving instructions on how to interact with graphical elements on a screen. Example: "To view the hidden options, simply pass the mouse cursor over the icon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Dock on my Mac OS X screen suddenly disappeared and now it only shows up if I pass the mouse cursor along the bottom of the screen.

The New York Times

If you pass the mouse cursor along the area where the Dock normally lives, it reappears just long enough for you to click the program or icon you were looking for and disappears again when you move the mouse away.

The New York Times

This same sub-menu holds options for automatically hiding the Dock on the screen until you pass the mouse cursor nearby, as well as the option for magnifying the icons stocked in the Dock when you pass the cursor over.

The New York Times

Passing the mouse cursor over the network's name displays a ScreenTip listing the signal strength, type of encryption security and other details.

The New York Times

On the Web, you can delete a paid message from your feed by moving the mouse cursor over the post and clicking the Dismiss button.

The New York Times

To see a Jump List from the Start menu, just move the mouse cursor over the program's name to see any recently used files or pages.

The New York Times - Tech

Detailed instructions appear upon placing the mouse cursor over the web interface.

BMC Plant Biology

When the user holds the mouse cursor over a highlighted area on the screen (a roll-over) a text box appears with the answer.

BMC Medical Education

Annotation of individual residues is visualized by color-coding in the alignment and by moving the mouse cursor over the respective colored residues.

BMC Genomics

When the user points the mouse cursor over a read, a tool-tip will display information about the read (name, coordinates, insert size and reference sequence name).

Bioinformatics

Both views are linked: hovering with the mouse cursor over single gene entries from the Gene Table highlights the corresponding pathways in the Pathway Browser.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "pass the mouse cursor over" to clearly indicate the action of moving the cursor to a specific area, especially when something should appear or activate as a result.

Common error

Do not use "pass the mouse cursor over" if you intend to say "click on". Ensure that the instruction clearly indicates whether the user should simply move the cursor or also click.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the mouse cursor over" primarily functions as an instructional verb phrase. It directs the user to perform a specific action within a graphical user interface. Based on Ludwig AI, its primary function is to guide user interaction with on-screen elements.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Wiki

25%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass the mouse cursor over" is a grammatically correct and clear way to instruct someone to move their mouse cursor to a specific location on a screen, commonly used in technical or instructional contexts. While Ludwig indicates that its frequency is limited, it serves a crucial function in guiding user interaction. Alternatives such as "hover the mouse cursor over" or "move the mouse cursor over" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly indicate whether a simple movement or a click is required for the intended action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hover the mouse cursor over

Replaces "pass" with "hover", emphasizing a stationary position over the target.

move the mouse cursor over

Uses "move" as a more general term, suitable when continuous motion is implied.

place the mouse cursor over

Suggests a more deliberate action of positioning the cursor.

position the mouse cursor over

Similar to "place", but with a slightly more formal tone.

bring the mouse cursor over

Implies a sense of direction and movement towards a specific point.

guide the mouse cursor over

Suggests careful and controlled movement.

slide the mouse cursor over

Emphasizes smooth, continuous motion across the screen.

drag the mouse cursor over

Adds the element of clicking and dragging while moving.

run the mouse cursor over

Implies a quick movement over the intended spot.

sweep the mouse cursor over

Suggests a broad, encompassing movement across a larger area.

FAQs

What is another way to say "pass the mouse cursor over"?

You can use alternatives like "hover the mouse cursor over", "move the mouse cursor over", or "place the mouse cursor over" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to say "mouse cursor"? Can I just say "cursor"?

While "cursor" alone is often understood, using "mouse cursor" can provide clarity, especially in contexts where other types of cursors (e.g. text cursor) might be present.

How do I use "pass the mouse cursor over" in a sentence?

For example, you could say, "To see the hidden options, "pass the mouse cursor over" the icon." The phrase is usually followed by an explanation of what should happen as a result.

What's the difference between "pass the mouse cursor over" and "click on"?

"Pass the mouse cursor over" implies movement without clicking, whereas "click on" means to press the mouse button while the cursor is positioned over something. They are distinct actions.