tap the button

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tap the button' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to direct someone to physically press a button on a device such as a phone, computer, or remote control. For example: "To access the settings menu, tap the button in the top right corner of the screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Tap the button to turn on Parental Controls.

The New York Times - Tech

Tap the button next to Small Icons to On.

The New York Times

On the next screen, tap the button next to Character Count from Off to On.

The New York Times - Tech

Tap the button, and you can "snooze" an email you just don't have time to deal with.

The Washington Post

If you are solving in the Android app, please tap the button to find your rebus key.

The New York Times

They'll then have to check their inbox for the verification email and tap the button to confirm their account.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

If you're somewhere interesting, tap the '+' button to share.

TechCrunch

Tap Alarm and then tap the + button.

WikiHow

Tap the "+" button to add another location.

WikiHow

Mobile - Tap the ⋮ button and then tap your name.

WikiHow

Tap the "✓" button when you are satisfied with your post.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about which button to tap, especially if multiple buttons are present. For example, specify "tap the 'Submit' button" instead of just "tap the button".

Common error

Avoid using "tap the button" without context. Ensure the user understands which button you are referring to. Otherwise, it leads to confusion. Always specify using labels or visual cues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tap the button" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the user to perform an action. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and exemplified in the numerous usage examples where it serves as a command.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

61%

News & Media

35%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tap the button" is a grammatically sound and very common imperative phrase used to instruct someone to interact with a button, particularly on a touchscreen device. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources, indicating a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, be specific about which button to tap to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

press the button

Replaces "tap" with "press", indicating a potentially firmer action.

push the button

Similar to "press", but suggests a more forceful action.

touch the button

Highlights the physical action of touching the button, suitable for touchscreens.

click the button

Uses "click" instead of "tap", implying a computer interface.

hit the button

Implies a quicker or more forceful action than "tap".

select the button

Emphasizes the choice aspect of interacting with the button.

activate the button

Focuses on the result of pressing the button, which is to activate something.

engage the button

Highlights the engagement or activation of a system via the button.

depress the button

A more formal way of saying "press the button".

access the button

Focuses on reaching or gaining access to the button for interaction.

FAQs

How do I use "tap the button" in a sentence?

You can use "tap the button" to give instructions on how to use a device or software, for example, "To save the changes, "tap the button" labeled 'Save'".

What can I say instead of "tap the button"?

You can use alternatives like "press the button", "click the button", or "select the button" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "tap the button"?

"Tap the button" is appropriate when referring to a touchscreen interface, especially on mobile devices. For a computer with a mouse, "click the button" might be more suitable.

Is "tap on the button" grammatically correct instead of "tap the button"?

While "tap on the button" is understandable, ""tap the button"" is more concise and commonly used, especially in instructional contexts. The preposition 'on' is unnecessary.