with a press of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a press of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurs by applying pressure to a button or similar object. Example: "You can activate the device with a press of the button."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The chief feature is that with a press of a button behind the watering nozzle, an electric motor quietly and smoothly winds the hose back into the housing.

The New York Times

It arrived with the iPhone 5s and was very efficient, making it quick, secure and easy to unlock the phone with a press of your digit.

Independent

But each time we returned, we opened them with a press of a button, compounding the theatrical impression Syracuse left on us.

The New York Times - Travel

The program, which previously sold for $3, lets users paint on their photos or just scribble on a blank page, and undo their previous mistakes with a press of a button.

The New York Times - Tech

Reduced to simple terms, few weapons on earth could be used by one person to kill, with a press of a trigger, as many as several hundred people, and cause rippling disruptions to international travel and trade.

The New York Times

If users have already registered their credit card information with Ticketmaster on its nonwireless Web page (www.ticketmaster.com), they can buy tickets with a press of a button or a tap on their P.D.A. screen.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

In a way, social media is their ideal platform, offering a way to broadcast their message far and wide with just a press of the shutter.

Huffington Post

The quality of subsequent newspaper reporting with a press release of high quality compared with no press release being issued was roughly the same for basic study facts.

British Medical Journal

Plus, users can snap a still image with a single press of a button.

TechCrunch

However, it did turn up a folder with a press release of the speech.

The Guardian

For a 300-page book with a press run of 1,200, she pays about $2.70 for digital printing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a press of" when you want to clearly indicate that an action is initiated by physically pressing a button, key, or similar control. It's suitable for both technical and general writing.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor is obscured. For instance, instead of saying "The button was activated with a press of a finger," write "The user activated the button with a press of a finger" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a press of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the means by which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes causation. For example, 'the hose winds back with a press of a button'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a press of" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is initiated by physically pressing something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's accurate and effective. Predominantly found in news and tech contexts, this phrase provides clarity about how something is activated. For variety, alternatives like "by pressing" or "at the touch of" can be used, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the pressing, and avoid passive voice constructions to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by pressing

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a simple preposition and gerund.

at the touch of

Emphasizes the light action needed to activate something.

upon pressing

A more formal and less common variation using "upon".

with the push of

Substitutes "press" with "push", implying slightly more force.

by tapping

Suitable when referring to touchscreens or similar interfaces.

via a button press

Rearranges the phrase to emphasize the action.

through button activation

More technical and formal, highlighting the activation process.

using a button

Simplified version indicating the use of a button as a method.

with a finger tap

Specifies the action as being performed with a finger, implying a digital interface.

by depressing

A more technical term for pressing, often used in mechanical contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "with a press of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "upon pressing", or "through button activation". These options add a level of sophistication suitable for technical documentation or formal reports.

What's the difference between "with a press of a button" and "by pressing a button"?

While both phrases are similar, "with a press of a button" emphasizes the action and the device. "By pressing a button" simply describes the method. The best choice depends on the context and the desired emphasis in your writing. Consider also using "by tapping".

Is "with a press of" suitable for technical writing?

Yes, "with a press of" is perfectly acceptable in technical writing. It clearly indicates the physical action required to activate a function or device. You could also use "through button activation" for a more technical phrasing.

When should I use "at the touch of" instead of "with a press of"?

"At the touch of" implies a lighter action, such as on a touchscreen. "With a press of" suggests a more deliberate physical action. Use the phrase that best reflects the actual operation. For example, consider using "by tapping".