keep the tap running

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep the tap running' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the on-going process of letting water run from your tap. For example, "I need to keep the tap running to fill up a large bucket of water."

✓ Grammatically correct

Water conservation

Waste reduction

Household activities

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We waste a lot of water in washing cars, drenching the entrances to houses, keep the tap running while brushing, cleaning, bathing, etc.

Columbia University

When you take a shower or brush your teeth, be sure not to keep the tap running.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A solution of sorts to keep the taps running may be at hand, although it is not guaranteed and it could be expensive.

The New York Times

They can track every mouse click ever made from Palo Alto apparently, but they can't figure out how to keep the taps running.

The Guardian

The cutting oil will keep the tap from binding.

The New York Times

"She'd keep leaving the fridge door open, the gas cooker on, and the taps running.

The Guardian

(Inside, though, residents are said to keep buckets of water in reserve for when the taps run dry).More cars run on better-paved roads.

The Economist

If the power is down, the taps run dry and the bank is shut, all that testing will not keep the business going.

The Economist

But some Greek officials have suggested tapping the remainder to keep the government running past June, should the troika continue to wield a tight fist.

The New York Times

— keep the thing running smooth.

The New Yorker

Keep the comments running.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing water wastage, use "keep the tap running" to highlight the ongoing and often unnecessary flow of water, like in scenarios of brushing teeth or washing dishes inefficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the tap running" in highly formal or technical writing; opt for more precise language like "maintain continuous water flow" or "ensure uninterrupted water supply" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the tap running" functions primarily as a description of an action, often implying wastefulness or inefficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep the tap running" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe allowing water to flow continuously, often implying a wasteful action. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While understandable in most situations, formal or technical contexts may benefit from more precise language. The phrase finds common usage in news and media, as well as in wiki-style guides, indicating a neutral to informal register. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if "keep the tap running" is the most appropriate choice, or if a more formal alternative would be better suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave the faucet running

Focuses specifically on the faucet as the source of running water.

let the water run

Emphasizes allowing the water to flow freely.

allow the tap to flow

Similar to 'let the water run' but specifies the tap.

keep the water flowing

Highlights the continuous flow of water.

maintain the water flow

Emphasizes actively maintaining the flow.

keep the system operational

Focuses on maintaining a system in a working state, extending the metaphor beyond just water.

keep the process going

Similar to 'keep the system running' but more generic.

sustain the flow

Highlights the act of sustaining the ongoing process of something flowing.

continue the water supply

Emphasis on the aspect of providing a continuous water source

ensure continuous water flow

Focuses on making certain the water continues to flow.

FAQs

What does "keep the tap running" mean?

It means to allow water to flow continuously from a faucet or tap, often implying that it's being done unnecessarily or inefficiently.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep the tap running"?

It's suitable for describing situations where water is being wasted due to a tap being left on, such as while brushing teeth or washing dishes. It's also used in a metaphorical sense to indicate that a process is ongoing.

What are some alternatives to "keep the tap running"?

Alternatives include "leave the faucet running", "let the water run", or "allow the tap to flow" depending on the specific context.

Is "keep the tap running" considered informal?

While understandable in most contexts, using more formal terms like "maintain continuous water flow" might be preferable in professional or technical writing.