tap running

USAGE SUMMARY

"tap running" is not a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English, as it does not make any sense as it stands.
If you are referring to running water from a tap, you could use the phrase "the tap was running". For example, "She noticed the tap was running, so she quickly turned it off."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Even simple things like not leaving the tap running when I'm brushing my teeth.

The Guardian

I'm a bad conservationist and – shoot me now – will admit to leaving the tap running while I brush my teeth.

Independent

I left the hot tap running in the bathroom, then I forgot my cardigan at the swimming pool.

The New Yorker

If there is a hot water tap running, as Michael puts it, it is one of disinformation about our positon.

The Guardian

Somewhere in the flat we're sharing with two other couples, I hear a tap running: my wife is rehydrating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've recently got myself into the habit of not leaving the tap running while I brush my teeth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A year later, when Mr. Putin became prime minister, the tap ran dry.

The New York Times

Another tap ran through the old courthouse in the park to a vacant office in Worth Street.

The New Yorker

The people clap and dance in welcome until the tap runs dry.

The Guardian

And Andrew replied, "A tap runs fast the first time you switch it on".

The New Yorker

But if he downloads the software over the Internet, lower, American rates apply.In this section The tap runs dry Taxes slip through the Net Reprints Related items The disappearing taxpayerMay 29th 1997 The tap runs dryMay 29th 1997As yet, electronic commerce is modest among consumers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a tap that is dispensing water, use the complete sentence "the tap is running" or similar to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "tap running" as a standalone phrase. Always provide context by using a complete sentence like "The tap is running" or "I heard the tap running".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tap running" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it's not grammatically complete on its own but needs additional context. It can be used to describe a situation or event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "tap running" commonly appears in diverse contexts, it is grammatically incomplete on its own. Ludwig AI advises that it should be part of a complete sentence for clarity. The phrase frequently occurs in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, with primary communicative purposes including descriptions of ongoing actions related to water usage or instances of wastage. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times use it, though always within a broader grammatical structure. For optimal usage, ensure you provide necessary context, such as "The tap is running" or "I heard the tap running".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tap is running

This alternative provides a complete sentence structure, clarifying that the tap is currently in operation.

the water tap is running

Specifies "water tap" for added clarity.

the faucet is running

Replaces "tap" with its synonym "faucet".

the tap was left running

Indicates that the tap was running due to someone's action or omission.

a running tap

Reorders the words, changing the emphasis to the adjective "running".

the tap is flowing

Uses "flowing" to describe the action of water, synonymous with running.

the water is running from the tap

Elaborates on the source of the running water.

the tap is on

Simplifies the phrase, indicating the tap is activated.

water is coming out of the tap

Further clarifies the water's action.

the tap has been left on

Indicates the tap was left activated.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "tap running" in a sentence?

While "tap running" alone isn't grammatically correct, you can use it within a larger, grammatically sound sentence, such as "I could hear the "tap running" in the other room" or "The sound of the "tap running" was quite loud".

What is a more grammatically correct way to say "tap running"?

Instead of "tap running", use the complete sentence "the tap is running". This clarifies that the tap is currently dispensing water.

What are some synonyms for "tap" when describing "tap running"?

You can replace "tap" with synonyms like "faucet". For example, instead of "the tap is running", you could say "the "faucet is running"".

Is it more appropriate to say "tap running" or "tap runs"?

Neither "tap running" nor "tap runs" are grammatically correct as standalone phrases. The correct usage would be "the "tap is running"" or, if describing a characteristic, "this type of tap runs efficiently".