ring the buzzer

USAGE SUMMARY

"ring the buzzer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical action of pressing or ringing a buzzer of some kind, as in a doorbell or an alarm. For example, "If you need to be let in, just ring the buzzer outside the front door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I ring the buzzer, but there is no reply.

The Guardian

When everything is close together like that, anyone can just drop by and knock on the door, ring the buzzer.

The New Yorker

They had been told to ring the buzzer and wait for the doorman, who was strict: "No pictures.

The New York Times

To enter, ring the buzzer marked "G," climb to the second floor, and let the bartender usher you into his candle-lit living room.

The New Yorker

When you ring the buzzer for apartment No. 7, nothing happens any longer, and won't, probably, until someone else moves in.

The New Yorker

Please give me a chance to be a better mother to him.' " On Sunday, she will ring the buzzer again, as the guests arrive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

One year, around Easter, a parish priest rang the buzzer and offered to bless my apartment.

The New York Times - Travel

A week after our chocolate-shake meeting, I rang the buzzer at his Cambridge home.

The New York Times - Magazine

In an ordinary street at an ordinary block I rang the buzzer.

The Guardian - Travel

Buttah doesn't bark when people walk by, though he does when someone rings the buzzer.

The New York Times

But just as I raised my camera, I saw a shadow move, so I quickly crossed the street and rang the buzzer.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "ring the buzzer" to clearly indicate the action needed to gain entry or attention.

Common error

Avoid using "ring the buzzer" metaphorically. It should refer to the literal act of activating a buzzer, not a general call for attention that doesn't involve the device.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ring the buzzer" functions as an imperative, used to directly instruct someone to perform the action of activating a buzzer. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ring the buzzer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a direct instruction to activate a buzzer. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, the phrase aims to prompt a specific action, such as gaining entry or signaling presence. Alternatives like ""press the buzzer"" or ""sound the buzzer"" offer slight variations in emphasis. Remember to use the phrase literally, and avoid metaphorical applications. The phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide array of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

press the buzzer

Replaces "ring" with "press", focusing on the physical act of pressing the button.

push the call button

Similar to "press the buzzer", but more descriptive.

sound the buzzer

Emphasizes the resulting sound from activating the buzzer.

trigger the alert

Focuses on the alert function of the buzzer.

activate the buzzer

Uses a more formal verb to indicate starting the buzzer.

hit the buzzer

More informal, implying a quick or forceful action.

buzz the apartment

Implies using the buzzer to contact a specific apartment.

call up via the buzzer

Specifies a method of calling someone using the buzzer system.

signal with the buzzer

Highlights the buzzer as a signaling device.

use the intercom

Refers to using the intercom system, which often includes a buzzer.

FAQs

How can I use "ring the buzzer" in a sentence?

You can use "ring the buzzer" to instruct someone to press the buzzer. For example, "Ring the buzzer when you arrive, and I'll let you in."

What is another way to say "ring the buzzer"?

Alternatives to "ring the buzzer" include "press the buzzer", "sound the buzzer", or "activate the buzzer", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "rings the buzzer"?

Yes, "rings the buzzer" is correct when referring to someone doing it regularly or habitually. For example, "He always "rings the buzzer" multiple times."

What's the difference between "ring the buzzer" and "ring the doorbell"?

"Ring the buzzer" is a more general term that can refer to any buzzer system, while "ring the doorbell" specifically refers to the bell at a front door. You "ring the doorbell", but if there isn't a doorbell and just a buzzer system, you "ring the buzzer".