a tape of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tape of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a recording or a physical medium that contains audio or video content. Example: "I found a tape of our family vacation from years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Arts

Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— asked for a tape of his music.

The New York Times

Here is a tape of our talk.

The New York Times

A tape of the Beatles.

The Guardian - Music

There's a tape of it.

The Guardian - Music

"I'll see a tape of it later.

The New York Times

("Frontline" plays a tape of the conversation).

The New York Times - Arts

He played a tape of the interview.

The New Yorker

A tape of Sarajevo radio programs plays in the background.

The New York Times - Arts

She asked to see a tape of the British show.

The New York Times

He was sent a tape of the event.

The New Yorker

We listened to a tape of a party breaking up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tape of" when specifically referring to content originally stored on magnetic tape or when evoking a sense of older recording technology. Otherwise, consider using more modern terms like "recording" or "video".

Common error

Avoid using "a tape of" when describing content clearly recorded and stored digitally. Using phrases like "a digital recording of" or "a video of" is more accurate for modern media.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tape of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to specify the content of a recording. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. Examples show it describing recordings of events, music, conversations, or performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Music

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Sports

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tape of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a recording, as confirmed by Ludwig. While "tape" might suggest older technology, the phrase remains widely understood and used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, music, and the arts. However, consider using more modern terms like "recording" or "video" when the original medium is digital. Ludwig's examples showcase diverse applications, indicating its versatility in describing recorded content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recording of

Replaces "tape" with a more modern and general term for audio or video capture.

an audio recording of

Specifies that the recording is audio-based.

a video recording of

Specifies that the recording is video-based.

footage of

Specifically refers to recorded video material.

a record of

A more formal and encompassing term for any documented account.

a copy of

Indicates a duplicate or reproduction of something, not necessarily audio or video.

a transcription of

Refers to a written version of spoken content.

a document of

Broader term that can encompass various types of records, including written or visual.

an account of

Narrative description of an event or experience.

evidence of

Focuses on the phrase indicating proof or verification of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a tape of" in a sentence?

You can use "a tape of" to refer to a recording of something, such as "I found "a tape of" my graduation ceremony".

What can I say instead of "a tape of"?

Alternatives include "a recording of", "an audio recording of", or "a video recording of", depending on the context.

Is it outdated to say "a tape of"?

While ""a tape of"" might evoke older technology, it is still understood. However, using "a recording of" is often more appropriate for modern contexts.

What's the difference between "a tape of" and "a video of"?

"A tape of" specifically implies the content was originally recorded on magnetic tape. "A video of" is a more general term that doesn't specify the original recording medium.