applying the tag

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying the tag" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to categorizing, labeling, or organizing items, data, or content. Example: "After reviewing the documents, I will be applying the tag to each file for better organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Ordonez was injured in Los Angeles while applying the tag on a pickoff play.

The New York Times - Sports

With a Monday deadline for applying the tag, there had been just a trickle of action involving it as of Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

The ball took one hop, Piazza reached up to get it and used his left foot to block Surhoff's path to the plate, applying the tag and completing the double play.

The New York Times - Sports

After a leadoff walk, first baseman Fielder does Dotel a solid by starting a 3-6-1 double play with Sandoval's ground ball, finished with Dotel applying the tag on Marco Scutaro.

The New York Times

On a grounder to third, he spun off Kevin Young while applying the tag in a rundown, then took a grounder off his wrist to end the inning, bouncing his throw to first because he had lost feeling in his hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Utley was then caught stealing; Nick Punto did a fine job applying the tag knowing that Utley would be taking the Franco Harris approach to base running.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Falling prices for the tags and readers and the development of standards so that equipment from different vendors can in theory work together has opened the possibility of applying the tags to more types of goods.

The New York Times

Costs for the plants and warehouses of big suppliers would be comparable to those for the retailers' distribution centers with one major exception -- under Wal-Mart's plan, the manufacturers are to pay the entire cost of buying and applying the tags.

The New York Times

Tino Martinez applied the tag.

The New York Times - Sports

It was Wilson, not Piazza, who applied the tag on Cabrera.

The New York Times - Sports

Wilson cleanly applied the tag, sealing the Mets' 6-5 victory and extending their week of improbable success.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In data management or organizational contexts, "applying the tag" should be followed by a clear explanation of what the tag signifies and its purpose within the system.

Common error

Avoid using "applying the tag" in situations where a more precise term like "labeling", "classifying", or "identifying" would be more appropriate. The phrase has specific connotations, especially in sports.

Linguistic Context

Applying the tag functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a larger verb phrase. It describes an action, typically within a sporting or organizational context. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applying the tag" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase, primarily used in neutral contexts like news and sports reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively uncommon, it clearly conveys the action of tagging, whether physically in sports or metaphorically in data organization. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear, especially in sports, to specify who applied the tag and the result. Alternatives like "affixing the label" or "assigning the marker" may be more appropriate in non-sports contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marking with the label

Emphasizes the act of marking something using a label, subtly different from the action of applying the tag itself.

affixing the label

Focuses on the physical act of attaching a label, differing from the more general action of applying a tag.

attaching the designation

Stresses the connection of a designation, differing from the more general process of applying a tag.

assigning the marker

Highlights the act of designating or allocating a specific marker, differing in emphasis from the procedural application of a tag.

implementing the classification

Focuses on putting a classification system into effect, which is a broader application than just applying a single tag.

employing the identifier

Highlights the use of an identifier, rather than the process of its application.

placing the identifier

Emphasizes the positioning of an identifying element, slightly different from the broader concept of applying a tag.

utilizing the marker

Focuses on the use of a marker for identification, diverging from the act of application.

putting on the sticker

Implies a more casual or physical act of attaching a sticker, which is a specific type of tag.

classifying under the heading

Emphasizes the categorization process under a specific heading, a more abstract application of a tag.

FAQs

What does "applying the tag" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "applying the tag" refers to a defensive player touching a runner with the ball (or glove holding the ball) while the runner is not on a base, resulting in the runner being called out.

What is an alternative to saying "applying the tag" in a general context?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "affixing the label", "assigning the marker", or "placing the identifier".

Is "applying the tag" formal or informal language?

"Applying the tag" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for news reports and sports commentary. More formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "implementing a classification" or similar phrases.

How can I use "applying the tag" in a sentence about data management?

In data management, you might say: "After cleaning the dataset, the next step involves "applying the tag" 'complete' to all records that meet the quality criteria."