By tapping on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By tapping on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken on a touchscreen device, indicating that the user should touch a specific area to perform a function. Example: "By tapping on the icon, you can access the settings menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do this by tapping on the toy and gently instructing her to step up.

WikiHow

By tapping on "confirm" or "delete", you will remove the photo.

WikiHow

Choose one by tapping on Play.

WikiHow

Pick the free one by tapping on it.

WikiHow

You can create one by tapping on the "Create a free Apple ID" button.

WikiHow

Before the sun was up, I was awoken one day by tapping on the computer keyboard.

Huffington Post

Just dispose the one you made by tapping on it.

WikiHow

You can access any one of these tabs by tapping on them.

WikiHow

You can change the folder name by tapping on the title and typing a new one.

WikiHow

He had drawn rescuers' attention by tapping on the concrete.

The Guardian

You can even add notes to files by tapping on them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by tapping on" when instructing users on how to interact with touch-screen devices or interfaces. Be specific about the object or area they should tap.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what the user is supposed to tap on. Vague instructions can lead to user frustration and errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by tapping on" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the means by which an action is performed. It typically precedes a noun or noun phrase, indicating the specific element that the user interacts with to achieve a result. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

86%

News & Media

9%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by tapping on" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe interacting with touch-screen devices, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it's most frequently used in Wiki and News & Media contexts. When instructing users, it's crucial to be specific about the target of the tap. Alternatives include "by selecting" or "by touching", depending on the nuance you want to convey. When giving instructions to the user, ensure you choose the word that best reflects what happens when the user interacts with the touchscreen.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By selecting

Focuses on the choice made rather than the action of touching.

By clicking on

Emphasizes a mouse action, typically on a computer.

By pressing on

Highlights the physical act of applying pressure.

By touching

A more general term for making contact with a surface.

Upon tapping

Uses a more formal tone and indicates immediate action following the tap.

When you tap

Shifts the focus to the user's action as a condition.

By using the tap gesture on

More descriptive and specific about the type of interaction.

Via a tap on

Highlights the means by which the action is performed.

Through tapping on

Emphasizes the process of using a tap to achieve a result.

By a touch on

Similar to 'by tapping', but uses 'touch' instead, altering the emphasis slightly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by tapping on" in user instructions?

You can use alternatives like "by selecting", "by touching", or "tap the" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "by clicking on" or "by tapping on"?

"By clicking on" is generally used for actions with a mouse, while "by tapping on" is used for touchscreens. Choose the phrase that matches the input method.

Can I use "by pressing on" instead of "by tapping on"?

While similar, "by pressing on" implies a more sustained contact than "by tapping on". Use "by pressing on" when the action requires holding the contact.

What's the difference between "tap on" and "by tapping on"?

"Tap on" is a more direct imperative, while "by tapping on" explains how an action is performed. For example, "Tap on the icon" versus "You can open the app by tapping on the icon".