The verb access has become standard in reference to computers, as in This program makes it considerably easier to access files on another disk. In recent years, people have begun to extend access to nontechnical contexts, giving it the broader meaning “to obtain goods, especially by technological means.” But this sense has yet to gain acceptability with the Usage Panel. Eighty-two percent reject the use of access in the sentence You can access your cash at any of 300 automatic tellers throughout the area.
