open the tap

USAGE SUMMARY

"open the tap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to open the tap or faucet to release water. For example: "Can you please open the tap so I can wash my hands?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Someone has to open the tap," he told reporters in Kathmandu on Friday.

The Guardian

Before, if a war or hurricane were to interrupt supplies, Saudi Arabia could always open the tap farther.

The New York Times - Magazine

To bigger cheers, he repeats a pledge to open the tap of credit to farmers without requiring them to put up their land as security.

The Economist

A mayoral-appointed Bring New Orleans Back Commission had sketched out a plan it hoped would open the tap of federal aid.

The Guardian

"Sometimes it's a good idea to open the tap in a calibrated fashion, lest you flood the place and then have to erratically close the tap or clean the mess," Mr. Chadha said.

The New York Times

Having to run a kitchen at work, he's also incredibly conscious of not being wasteful: don't open the tap fully; don't waste water; don't use cling film, put things in tupperware.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If you open the taps, they run camembert.

The Guardian - Film

In its quest for growth, the government has directed its state-owned banks to open the taps.

The Economist

Facing such pressures, OPEC is expected to open the taps once again when its session concludes on Sunday or Monday.

The New York Times

But the main reason for the government's decision to open the taps is its desire to plug its budget deficit.

The Economist

Few analysts expect the central bank to open the taps again, especially because the earlier moves have already started having unintended consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "open the tap" in instructional content (e.g., scientific protocols), ensure you specify the duration or volume of water needed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "open the tap" when referring to tapping a phone line or accessing hidden information. The phrase specifically refers to a water faucet or similar valve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open the tap" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase, instructing someone to perform the action of opening a tap. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open the tap" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct or request the action of allowing water to flow from a faucet. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to informal register. While alternatives like "turn on the faucet" exist, "open the tap" remains a widely understood and accepted phrase for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn on the faucet

Focuses on the mechanism used to release water.

start the water flow

Highlights initiating the movement of water.

release the water

Emphasizes the act of allowing water to come out.

activate the water supply

More formal and emphasizes the system providing the water.

allow the water to run

Focuses on the permission or allowance of water flow.

set the water running

Implies preparing or initiating the water flow.

get the water flowing

Focuses on the continuous movement of water.

unleash the water

More dramatic and emphasizes the force or volume of water.

initiate water dispensing

Highly formal, almost clinical, and relates to a specific dispensing system.

begin the water stream

Highlights the start of a continuous water stream.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "open the tap" in a formal context?

In a more formal setting, you could use phrases like "activate the water supply" or "initiate water dispensing" depending on the specific scenario.

Is it always appropriate to use "open the tap"?

While "open the tap" is widely understood, it's best suited for general or informal contexts. In technical instructions or scientific protocols, providing specific measurements or durations may be more precise.

What's the difference between "open the tap" and "turn on the faucet"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Turn on the faucet" might be slightly more common in North America, while "open the tap" is prevalent elsewhere.

Can "open the tap" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "open the tap" can be used metaphorically to describe initiating a flow of something, such as money or resources, as shown in the example "open the tap of credit to farmers".