remote control

Meaning

A remote control (often just called a 'remote') is a small handheld device used to operate electronic equipment from a distance. You press buttons on it to change channels, adjust the volume, or turn a device on and off.

Examples

• Can you hand me the remote control? I want to turn up the volume.

  Can you hand me the remote control? I want to turn up the volume.

• The remote control is out of battery, so we have to change them.

  The remote control is out of battery, so we have to change them.

• I can't find the remote control; did it fall under the sofa cushions?

  I can't find the remote control; did it fall under the sofa cushions?

• He pointed the remote control at the TV and changed the channel.

  He pointed the remote control at the TV and changed the channel.

• This new remote control has a special button just for launching Netflix.

  This new remote control has a special button just for launching Netflix.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Where is the television commander?

  ✓ Where is the remote control?

  Do not translate literally from languages that use words like 'commander' or 'control' alone. The standard English term is 'remote control' or simply 'remote'.

• ✗ Please press the remote control to open the TV.

  ✓ Please use the remote control to turn on the TV.

  We 'turn on' or 'switch on' electronic devices like televisions, rather than 'opening' them.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't want to get up, so I will use the ___ to turn off the TV.

  💡 The small device used to change channels from far away.

  Show answer

  remote control

• If the ___ is not working, you might need to replace the batteries.

  💡 The handheld device for operating the TV.

  Show answer

  remote control