book online

/bʊk ˈɒnˌlaɪn/

Meaning

This phrase means to reserve or purchase tickets, hotel rooms, flights, or activities using the internet. It is a very common travel expression used when planning trips in advance. It highlights the convenience of securing arrangements digitally rather than in person or over the phone.

Examples

  • It is usually much cheaper to book online than to buy tickets at the station.

    It is usually much cheaper to book online than to buy tickets at the station.

  • I decided to book online to make sure we got a room with a sea view.

    I decided to book online to make sure we got a room with a sea view.

  • If you book online, you can skip the long queues at the museum entrance.

    If you book online, you can skip the long queues at the museum entrance.

  • She managed to book online just before the flights sold out completely.

    She managed to book online just before the flights sold out completely.

  • Did you book online or did you call the travel agency directly?

    Did you book online or did you call the travel agency directly?

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I need to book on the online.

    ✓ I need to book online.

    'Online' acts as an adverb here, so you do not need the article 'the' or the preposition 'on'.

  • ✗ We booked online the hotel.

    ✓ We booked the hotel online.

    If you include the direct object (the hotel), it should go before the word 'online' rather than after it.

Related Expressions

reserve a spot make a reservation buy in advance

Practice

  • If you want to get the early bird discount, you should ___.

    💡 Reserve your spot using the website.

    Show answer

    book online

  • I always ___ because it saves me a lot of time at the airport.

    💡 Use the internet to secure your ticket.

    Show answer

    book online