switching-on vs switching on

Both "switching-on" and "switching on" can be correct depending on the context. "Switching-on" is used when the phrase is acting as a compound adjective, while "switching on" is used when the phrase is a verb phrase.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 701 views

switching-on

This phrase is correct when used as a compound adjective.

Use "switching-on" when the phrase is describing a noun, such as in "the switching-on process."

Examples:

The switching-on procedure is quite simple.
I need to check the switching-on time for the machine.

Show examples from the web [+]

- for electronic recording equipment, as defined in point 7 of Chapter II, any interruption exceeding 100 milliseconds in the power supply of the recording equipment (except lighting), not later than at switching-on the power supply again,
for electronic recording equipment, as defined in point 7 of the first paragraph of Part II, any interruption exceeding 100 milliseconds in the power supply of the recording equipment (except lighting), not later than at switching-on the power supply again,
'automatic switching-on of lighting' means a lighting system turned on when the ignition switch or the engine on-off switch is in the on-position;
At each frequency step, all switching functions which may be sensitive to vibration, if necessary including switching-on and switching-off, are carried out at least twice.
The people are switching on the lights.
Unrealistic decelerations or accelerations could be symptomatic of switching on or off a manipulation device.
It cost £5 billion and will switching on very soon.
That meant I could spend my time wondering which of my colleagues would be best suited to switching on Blackpool's fairy lights.
First one there gets the honour of switching on the town's famous illuminations.
I'll have to wait an hour yet, before switching on the propeller.
Switching on the light, I shook my sheets and started searching like crazy all over my bed.
Switching on electron spin burst transmitters.
It should be pointed out in this context that airlines have long banned passengers from switching on or using mobile phones during flights.
1 switching on all lighting within, or illuminating the vicinity of, the port facility;.
2 switching on all surveillance equipment capable of recording activities within, or adjacent to, the port facility; and.
It shall be possible to activate and deactivate the automatic switching ON of daytime running lamps without the use of tools.
DAY or NIGHT - Regular switching on and off of all available lights but in such a manner as to be distinct from flashing lights.
The electrical connections shall be checked by switching on every lamp supplied by the electrical system of the vehicle.
After switching on the test SENC shall be loaded.
If you trace the great story back to what you thought was the first moment, it all merges in some quantum fuzz, so there's never a singular switching on.

Alternatives:

the process of switching on
the act of switching on
the action of switching on
the switching-on operation
the switching-on mechanism

switching on

This phrase is correct when used as a verb phrase.

Use "switching on" when the phrase is functioning as a verb phrase, such as in "I am switching on the lights."