tapping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tapping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the action of lightly touching or striking a surface, or in a metaphorical sense, like tapping into resources or ideas. Example: "She was tapping her fingers on the table, waiting for the meeting to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

LINGUA.LY iOS/Android - FREE Recently crossing from Android to iOS, Lingua.ly aims to help you learn languages by reading articles and tapping on words you don't know to get their translation.

The Guardian - Tech

"The idea that it already had this high value but we only use a little of it, that was interesting because I felt that there was a way of tapping into this perceived high value the product has intrinsically".

The Guardian

Tiens first began tapping into the Ugandan market in 2003 and it has grown steadily ever since.

The Guardian

While Southampton held out the vision of authorities generating power on a larger scale, Cornwall raised the prospect of tapping geothermal energy from the county's granite base.

The Guardian

Vincent, introduced for another reason entirely, found himself with the simple task of tapping in the rebound.

The Guardian - Sport

Tapping Muir, currently anchor of ABC's newsmagazine 20/20, means all three network weekday evening news broadcasts are once again hosted by a slate of white men.

The Guardian

Vilma is a "granger" – a term I coined to describe the "grey anger" of those who won't willingly enter the people farms, who don't want to spend their retirement twiddling thumbs and perennially tapping little white balls into a hole in a patch of cultivated grass.

The Guardian - Opinion

Panellist Cary Cooper, distinguished professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University Management School, wondered why the sector was not tapping into potential talent at an earlier stage.

The Guardian

It gets you tapping on orbiting rings to keep your planety blob out of the black hole in the middle.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 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

A memo written by the night reporter who took the call said that a senior policewoman (whose name he did not know) "who claims to be working on the phone-tapping investigation wants to sell inside info on the police inquiry".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a light, repetitive striking motion, use "tapping". When describing accessing a resource, consider "tapping into" for a more descriptive phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "tapping" when a stronger impact is intended. Use words like "hitting", "pounding", or "slamming" instead to convey the right level of force.

Linguistic Context

The word "tapping" primarily functions as a present participle of the verb "tap", often describing an ongoing action. It can also function as a gerund or a noun, referring to the act of "tapping" itself. As Ludwig AI shows, it can be related to physical actions and also in a metaphorical sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Tech

10%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Business

4%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tapping" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb (present participle) and a noun, signifying actions ranging from light physical contact to accessing resources or information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral, its connotations can shift based on context, from harmless actions to potentially invasive activities like network surveillance. For alternatives consider "knocking" or "patting". "Tapping into", on the other hand, relates to resources and information and for this case, you may consider "exploiting" or "leveraging".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knocking

Implies a more forceful or audible percussive action than "tapping".

rapping

Indicates a series of quick, light blows, similar to "tapping" but often with a more rhythmic quality.

patting

Suggests a gentle, repeated touch, often used to show affection or reassurance, unlike the more general action of "tapping".

drawing on

Implies using something as a source or inspiration, akin to "tapping" into knowledge or experience.

drumming

Refers specifically to rhythmic "tapping", often with fingers, creating a drumming sound.

leveraging

Focuses on using something to maximum advantage, a more strategic sense of "tapping" into resources.

accessing

Similar to "tapping" into, but focuses on gaining entry or connection to something.

exploiting

In a metaphorical sense, relates to "tapping" into resources or opportunities, but emphasizes the act of making use of something.

harnessing

Suggests controlling and utilizing something, like energy or resources, which is a more active form of "tapping".

thumping

Describes a heavier, duller sound than "tapping", implying more force.

FAQs

How can I use "tapping" in a sentence?

"Tapping" can be used to describe a light striking motion, as in "She was tapping her foot impatiently." It can also mean accessing a resource, like "The company is tapping into new markets."

What are some alternatives to "tapping" when describing a light striking motion?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "knocking", "patting", or "rapping".

What does it mean to "tap into" something?

To "tap into" something means to access or make use of a resource, idea, or feeling. For example, "The author is tapping into the reader's emotions."

Is there a difference between "tapping" and "exploiting" resources?

While both involve utilizing resources, "tapping" often implies a more measured or sustainable approach, whereas "exploiting" can suggest using resources aggressively or unsustainably.