16 Phrasal Verbs Related to Technology and Computers

16 Phrasal verbs Related to Technology and Computers

HI English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. We are going to look at 16 phrasal verbs related to technology and computers.

• Back up
• Hack into
• Hook up
• Key in
• Log in/on
• Log out
• Plug in
• Print out
• Run out of
• Scroll up/down
• Sign in/out
• Turn off/shut down

Back up

Meaning: to make a second copy of a document, programme, etc., to put it onto a memory stick or a cloud so you can have it if the main source fails.

• Mildred backed up her ebooks onto a memory stick in case her computer breaks down.
• It is always a good idea to back up your files onto a floppy disc or cloud in case you lose your computer.

Hack into

Meaning: to enter someone’s computer or network illegally.

• Have you heard about a computer programmer who hacked into a bank database and transferred money into his bank account?
• My computer has been hacked into and now it’s full of viruses.

Hook up

Meaning: to connect two pieces of electronic equipment (computer, printer, etc.) or to the electric supply system.

• Residents of the camp can hook up their laptops to the power supply in the main building.
• Brian hooked up the microphone to his computer for the party.

Key in

Meaning: to enter information into a computer using a keyboard.

• When doing an online test, you need to key in the answer in the box.
• Shall I key in my details at the bottom of the document?

Log in/on

Meaning: to begin using the computer system, by typing a password or performing some other action.

• Please log in or register to watch your favourite movies and series.
• To use the website, you must first log in.

Log out

Meaning: to act, such as clicking on a button or typing a password, to finish using a computer system.

• Don’t forget to log out before you switch off the computer.
• After checking your online bank account, always log out.

Plug in

Meaning: to connect a piece of electric or electronic equipment with an electric supply or another piece of equipment.

• The mouse plugs in at the side of the computer.
• You can plug in your laptop on a power socket over there.

Print out

Meaning: to produce a document in printed paper form.

• How many copies do you want me to print out?
• We can use a computer to print out the school tests.

Run out of

Meaning: to use all supply of something so that you have none left.

• I need a new memory stick. I ran out of space on this one.
• The printer is running out of paper. Will you buy some?

Scroll up/down

Meaning: to move text on the computer screen up or down.

• Scroll up to line 56.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the application form and press the button.

Sign in/out

Meaning: to type your details so you can use a website or perform an action to leave it.

• You need to sign in to play the game.
• When using a public computer, remember to sign out before you leave.

Turn off/shut down

Meaning: to finish your work on the computer.

• Sandra turned off the computer and left for work.
• My computer shuts down by itself 10 minutes after I stop using it.