a leaking tap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leaking tap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a faucet that is dripping or not functioning properly. Example: "I need to call a plumber because I have a leaking tap in my kitchen that won't stop dripping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Only Murray could make repairing a disaster sound like fixing a leaking tap.

The Guardian - Sport

"We respond to anything from here, whether it is a problem with a bridge, a hole, damage to a fence or a leaking tap".

The Guardian - Music

"It would have been like being in a hurricane and being asked to measure the water coming from a leaking tap," said Forcey.

The Guardian

Better still, Jeremy meets a chestnut-haired, mini-skirted beauty at the ironmonger who asks him over to look at a leaking tap, like a scene from some period pornography (I'm told).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I've been taking eco showers for years, unintentionally, thanks to landlords who pretend they're giving you a deal by including water in the rent, when in reality the water pressure is so low it's like showering under a leaking tap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(OK, you can. But you really have to be committed to it, or distracted by a leaking tap, or champion-gobshite Jehovah's Witnesses at your door).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Most of the advice on offer is mind-numbingly obvious (throw away clutter, tend the garden, mend the leaking tap) but there are a few unexpected gems.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

leaking tap.

The New Yorker

If you have leaking taps or pipes, get these fixed.

WikiHow

Leak taps both sides of the coin to get you to speak directly and honestly to someone specific.

TechCrunch

"It could be a blocked toilet, a leaking pipe, changing a tap washer.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports, consider using "a faulty tap" or "a tap malfunction" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a leaking tap" in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "plumbing defect" or "component failure" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leaking tap" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "leaking" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "tap". This describes a specific type of tap characterized by its leak. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a faucet that is dripping or not functioning properly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leaking tap" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a common plumbing issue. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct. Although its usage is classified as uncommon, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources, and its purpose is primarily descriptive. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in technical contexts. By understanding its usage patterns and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively incorporate this phrase into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dripping faucet

Focuses on the sound and visual aspect of the leak.

a leaky faucet

Uses a different adjective to describe the faulty tap.

a dripping tap

Uses a synonym for 'leaking'.

a faulty tap

Emphasizes the malfunction of the tap rather than the leak itself.

a tap that leaks

Rephrases the original phrase using a relative clause.

a broken tap

Highlights the state of being damaged or not working correctly.

a running tap

Implies water is flowing continuously, possibly unintentionally.

a valve leak

Focuses on the valve component of the tap that is leaking.

a water leak

Broader term referring to any leak involving water, not specifically a tap.

a plumbing leak

Highlights the leak as a plumbing issue.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a leaking tap"?

You can use alternatives like "a dripping faucet", "a leaky faucet", or "a faulty tap depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a leaking tap" or "a leaky tap"?

Both "a leaking tap" and "a leaky tap" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though "leaking" might be considered slightly more formal.

How to use "a leaking tap" in a sentence?

You can use "a leaking tap" to describe a common household problem, such as "I need to fix "a leaking tap" in the bathroom to save water".

What's the difference between "a leaking tap" and "a running tap"?

"A leaking tap" refers to a tap that drips or releases water unintentionally. "A running tap", on the other hand, implies the tap is turned on and water is flowing, whether intentionally or not.