tap

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tap' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or adjective. Example sentence: She tapped her pencil on the desk as she thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was a remark that made me think of when Spinal Tap played Rock'n'Roll Creation, each member emerging from pods, Invasion of the Bodysnatchers-style.

The Guardian - Arts

Suspicion is growing that the establishment, including 'securocrats' who want to be free to bug and tap without scrutiny, are intimidating journalists in the hope of evading public accountability.

The Guardian

Some organisations need to tap into different skills and experience to create the right mix of talent to oversee new areas of work.

The Guardian

The premium iPhone-only smartwatch has more capabilities than most with a heart rate sensor and the ability to tap you on the wrist rather than simply shaking.

The Guardian - Tech

The Snowden files revealed intelligence-gathering is now being conducted on a grand scale, with the NSA and GCHQ exploiting advances in technology to tap into, store and analyse more and more information.

The Guardian

Across the south-west, residents of small communities like Barnhart are confronting the reality that something as basic as running water, as unthinking as turning on a tap, can no longer be taken for granted.

The Guardian

But it still did not prepare her for the night last month when she turned on the tap and discovered the tiny town where she had made her home for 35 years was out of water.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Best actress is Julianne Moore for Maps to the Stars A giant whoop in among the tappity-tap-tapping press as Julianne Moore takes the best actress prize for her grand-standing performance as a crazed Hollywood dame in David Cronenberg's Maps to the Stars.

The Guardian - Film

Moore, in his home debut, scored his first goal for Toronto with a tap-in in stoppage time after a defensive miscommunication.

The Guardian - Sport

Around the random murders, the film hones in on Berlin's melancholy, a landscape of puddles and prostitutes, a silent city – the hush broken by bells or shrieks, the tap-tap of a tool being sharpened, and haunted by the killer's eerie whistling of Grieg's "In the Hall of The Mountain King".

The Guardian - Film

"No one gave up," said Müller, whose tap-in secured the victory.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tap" to mean 'exploit a resource', be mindful of the ethical implications. Ensure the exploitation is sustainable and does not cause harm.

Common error

Avoid using "tap" in contexts where a more precise verb is needed. For example, instead of "They tapped into the market", consider using "They penetrated the market" or "They capitalized on the market" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "tap" functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it denotes the action of striking lightly or drawing from a source. As a noun, it refers to a device controlling liquid flow or a light blow. Ludwig AI validates these usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tap" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, denoting actions like striking lightly or drawing resources, as well as objects like faucets. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. Alternatives like "faucet" or "utilize" can be used for more precise meanings. When employing "tap", be mindful of its ethical connotations and ensure clarity by choosing the most appropriate synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faucet

Refers specifically to a fixture for controlling the release of water, often used in kitchens and bathrooms.

spigot

A device used to control the flow of liquid from a container, especially a barrel or cask.

knock lightly

Implies a gentle striking action, similar to tapping but emphasizes the lightness of the contact.

pat gently

Suggests a soft, repeated touch, often used to show affection or reassurance.

wiretap

Specifically refers to the act of secretly listening to telephone or other electronic communications.

exploit

Suggests making use of a resource or situation, often for personal gain or advantage.

utilize

To make practical and effective use of something.

access

Indicates gaining entry to or making use of something.

draw from

Suggests extracting or obtaining something from a source.

intercept

Refers to stopping something from reaching its intended destination, often in the context of communication.

FAQs

How can I use "tap" in a sentence?

You can use "tap" as a verb, such as "He tapped his fingers on the table", or as a noun, as in "There was a tap on the shoulder".

What's a good substitute for "tap" when referring to accessing a resource?

Alternatives include "utilize", "access", or "draw from", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "tap into" something?

Yes, "tap into" is a common and acceptable phrasal verb that means to make use of something or connect to it.

What's the difference between "tap" and "faucet"?

"Tap" is a general term for a device that controls the flow of liquid, while "faucet" specifically refers to a fixture for controlling the release of water, typically in a kitchen or bathroom.