switch on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Activate by flipping a switch
Why “on”? A device starts working, a session or event begins, or a condition starts to develop.
“Maya switched on the living-room lamp after dinner.”
“When the room grew hot, Nora switched on the fan.”
“Leo switched on the office projector after the technician fixed it.”
“Maya switched on the reading light above her train seat.”
Don't confuse with
Switch on means activate by flipping a switch. Switch off means deactivate by flipping a switch.
Test yourself
“Maya switched on the living-room lamp after dinner.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
switch off
A contrast learners often mix up
Deactivate by flipping a switch
bring on
Same on pattern: starting
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
click on
Same on pattern: starting
Activate by clicking
come on
Same on pattern: starting
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
flip on
Same on pattern: starting
Activate by flipping a control
go on
Same on pattern: starting
Continue happening or doing something; Happen or take place; Talk for a long time, often in a tedious way; Use information as the basis for an opinion; Begin to operate
log on
Same on pattern: starting
Sign in to a computer system
put on
Same on pattern: starting
Dress yourself in clothing; Host or stage an event; Gain weight; Apply onto a surface; Cause a device to start running; Pretend to have a feeling or act in a false way
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