English · A2 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Phones and technology
Handle files, passwords, links, messages, and charging.
Understand the choice
Digital English uses short verbs whose objects determine meaning. Upload and download describe network direction; charge and load differ; save can mean store data or rescue.
Core rule: Download/upload express direction; send takes recipient + item; charge a device but save a file.
Notice it in context
I download the file and send you the link.
Descargo el archivo y te envío el enlace.
Download takes file; send takes recipient you then object link.
The screen is black, so I need to charge the phone.
The display has no image; the phone needs electrical energy.
Screen and charge appear directly.
My password protects the message and file, and the link is private.
The secret protects communications and data; the web address is restricted.
Password, message, file, and link appear directly.
What to remember
- Log in is a verb; login is usually a noun/adjective.
- Back up means make a safety copy; save alone is not always a backup.
Common trap: Do not confuse download with upload.