Are you confused about when to use ‘click’ and when to use ‘click on’? You’re not alone! In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these two phrases and provide 11 examples so that you can confidently use them in your writing.
We’ll also discuss common misconceptions and best practices for using both terms correctly.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- ‘Click’ requires a single action, while ‘Click on’ implies an additional step before engaging with what was clicked.
- Both phrases essentially mean the same thing but should be used differently depending on context.
- ‘Click’ is used for selecting or activating without opening, while ‘Click on’ is used for opening or accessing.
- Understanding the appropriate usage of each phrase is important to avoid confusion.
What Is the Difference Between ‘Click’ and ‘Click on’
The main difference between ‘click’ and ‘click on’ is that the former requires a single action, while the latter implies an additional step.
When you ‘click’, you are usually engaging in a single action such as selecting something or activating an item, while ‘clicking on’ implies taking one extra step before engaging with what was clicked.
For example, when playing a game, you might click to select your character but then need to click on the start button to launch the game. Similarly, clicking on a link will open it so its content can be viewed or used.
The two phrases essentially mean the same thing but should be used differently depending on context.
Examples of ‘Click’ Usage
You’ll often hear people say ‘click’ when they want you to select something on a computer or mobile device. For example, if someone wants you to open a link on the browser, they might say ‘just click on it’. Similarly, if you need to click a button on an app or website, someone might tell you just to ‘click’. Additionally, if you’re trying to download a file from the internet and need to press the download button, someone could tell you simply to ‘click’.
Another common use of ‘click’ is when referring to selecting items using a mouse. If someone wants you to click and drag an item from one place in the window into another, they’ll likely tell you just ‘click’ it. Likewise, when wanting you to double-click something with your mouse cursor for opening or activating it; again they would usually suggest that you simply “click” it.
Examples of ‘Click On’ Usage
When referring to selection of items on a computer or mobile device, ‘click on’ is often used. This phrase indicates that the user should select an item within a program or website by using their pointer and clicking it.
Here are some real-world examples of how one would use ‘click on’:
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To access a certain page in an application, users can ‘click on’ the corresponding link
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To submit forms, users can ‘click on’ the submit button
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To open files, users can ‘click on’ the file name
These instructions are simple enough for most computer literate individuals to understand. For those who are new to computers, this phrase is easy to remember and will help them navigate programs or websites with ease.
Common Misconceptions About ‘Click’ and ‘Click On’
Many people mistakenly believe that ‘click’ and ‘click on’ are interchangeable, but the two phrases have different meanings and should be used appropriately.
In general, ‘click’ is used when you want to select or activate something without opening it, while ‘click on’ is used when you want to open it.
For example, if you click on a link in an email, the link will open within your browser window. On the other hand, if you simply click a button on a website, it may activate some action without actually taking you somewhere else.
It’s important to understand which phrase is appropriate for each situation in order to ensure that your instructions are clear and accurate.
Best Practices for Using ‘Click’ and ‘Click On’
To use ‘click’ and ‘click on’ correctly, it’s important to understand the difference between them. Here are best practices for using these terms:
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Use ‘Click’ when referring to a single action by the user, such as clicking an icon or pressing a key.
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Use ‘Click On’ when specifying multiple actions necessary to complete a task, like clicking and dragging an object or selecting more than one item.
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Avoid any ambiguity by providing clear instructions that specify which buttons need to be clicked in order to achieve the desired result.
Be sure to provide detailed descriptions of what each step involves so users can easily follow along. Keep language simple yet precise for maximum clarity of instructions.
Conclusion
To sum up, ‘click’ and ‘click on’ both refer to the action of selecting a button or link on a computer screen. They are used differently, depending on the context.
Generally, ‘click’ is used when there is only one option available to choose from and ‘click on’ is used when there are multiple options.
It’s important to use these terms accurately in order to maintain clarity in instructions or descriptions of how to navigate a website or app.
With a better understanding of these terms and their correct usage, you can ensure that your messages come across clearly and accurately every time.