arrow keys

Meaning

1. 1nounplural

   The four keys on a computer keyboard marked with arrows, used to move the cursor or selection.

   Grammar: Always plural; use a plural verb: the arrow keys are on the right.

   Patterns

   • the arrow keys
   • use the arrow keys
   • press the arrow keys

   Use the arrow keys to move the cursor up and down.

   She pressed the left arrow key to go back a page.

   The arrow keys on this laptop are very small.

Word forms

Common combinations

press the arrow keys

Press the arrow keys to scroll through the menu.

use the arrow keys

You can use the arrow keys instead of the mouse.

left/right/up/down arrow key

The up arrow key moves the selection upward.

arrow key on the keyboard

The arrow keys are on the right side of the keyboard.

Synonyms and how they differ

cursor keys

A more general term for the keys that move the cursor; it can include other keys besides the arrow keys.

direction keys

A less common term that emphasizes the four directions; 'arrow keys' is the usual everyday word.

Word family

arrow noun

A symbol shaped like a line with a pointed end, used on the keys.

key noun

One of the buttons you press on a keyboard.

keyboard noun

The set of keys used to type on a computer.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “arrow keys”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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