by tapping

USAGE SUMMARY

"by tapping" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate the method or action used to accomplish something. Example: She fixed the leaky faucet by tapping on it with a wrench.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe by tapping into social networks.

The New York Times - Health

Like someone by tapping [icon of a kitten] or Spurn by tapping [icon of a pig].

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

But the industry revitalized itself by tapping into new markets.

The New York Times

Works by tapping a specified number of times.

The New Yorker

HIV persists by tapping cancer genes.

Science Magazine

The gum was collected by tapping.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

By tapping the right dedicated hardware.

TechCrunch

People exercise divine abilities by tapping into their higher consciousness.

Huffington Post

Natural rubber is harvested by tapping.

BMC Plant Biology

Sap is collected by tapping the palm.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by tapping" to clearly indicate an action performed through a tapping motion, especially in instructions or technical descriptions. It is clear and concise.

Common error

Avoid using "by tapping" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, more sophisticated language may be appropriate. Consider alternatives like 'through interaction' or 'via selection'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by tapping" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the method by which an action is performed. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it clarifies how a user interacts with a digital interface or device.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by tapping" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe an action performed through a tapping motion, predominantly on digital interfaces. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in instructions and general descriptions, particularly in Wiki and News & Media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it may be less suitable for highly formal writing where more sophisticated alternatives could be considered. The AI analysis confirms the phrase's correct usage and clear communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through a tap

Focuses on the action being done via a single tap.

with a touch

Emphasizes the tactile element of touching.

using a tap

Emphasizes the act of using a tap as an input method.

using a finger tap

Specifies the action being done via finger.

via touchscreen interaction

Specifies interaction through a touchscreen.

with a click

Suggests an action performed using a click, potentially of a mouse or button.

by pressing

Indicates a pressing action, which can be similar to tapping depending on context.

through a digital touch

Highlights digital contact or touch.

by selecting

Focuses on the outcome of choosing something via a tap.

by clicking

Suggests clicking, often associated with using a mouse.

FAQs

How can I use "by tapping" in a sentence?

"By tapping" is used to describe how an action is performed, often on a digital interface. For example, 'You can open the app "by tapping" the icon'.

What are some alternatives to "by tapping"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "with a tap", "through a tap", or "via touchscreen interaction".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "by tapping"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "by tapping" might sound less formal. Consider rephrasing for a more formal tone. For example, instead of "By tapping the icon, the app opens", you could say, "The app opens through a tap on the icon".

What's the difference between "by tapping" and "by clicking"?

"By tapping" typically refers to actions on a touchscreen, while "by clicking" is generally used for actions with a mouse or similar input device.