taps out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taps out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is giving up or surrendering, often in a competitive context such as sports or games. Example: "After several rounds of intense competition, he finally taps out, unable to continue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"The lift doors close," he taps out anxiously.

The Guardian

Finally, she taps out what amounts to a code: "All adventurous women do".

The New Yorker

But when he taps out a 140-character message and presses send, he's talking to nearly 400,000 people.

The New York Times - Tech

He taps out "If Volsa was your father" with his coffee spoon, all the while throwing sugar in the air.

The New Yorker

In these fights, which also incorporate kickboxing, muay Thai and judo, sometimes an opponent just "taps out".

The New York Times - Magazine

She listens to a few songs on her iPod, then taps out a quick e-mail on her iPhone and turns her attention to the high-definition television.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

One tapped out, "Prayforus".

The New Yorker

"Are households tapped out?

The New York Times

He tapped out a rhythm.

The New Yorker

Still, Williamsburg seemed "tapped out and expensive".

The New York Times

"People are really tapped out," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taps out" to specifically describe a physical or communicative act of surrendering, especially in contexts like martial arts or gaming. It emphasizes the action of signaling defeat rather than just the state of giving up.

Common error

Avoid using "taps out" metaphorically in contexts where a physical signal of surrender wouldn't make sense. For example, instead of saying "He taps out of the project", use "He withdraws from the project" or "He quits the project" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taps out" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of signaling surrender or submission. This is commonly seen in competitive contexts like martial arts, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taps out" is a verb phrase primarily used to describe the act of signaling surrender, especially in physical competitions like martial arts. While grammatically correct and common, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's most appropriate for informal contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the audience and setting to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone. If aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "concedes defeat" or "withdraws". Understanding the context and potential misinterpretations of the phrase will aid in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives up

Indicates a cessation of effort or resistance; a general way of expressing surrender.

surrenders

A more formal and definitive declaration of defeat.

concedes defeat

Acknowledges loss, often in a formal or competitive context.

withdraws

Suggests a physical or strategic retreat from a situation.

calls it quits

An informal way to say someone is stopping an activity.

bows out

Implies a graceful or voluntary exit from a competition or situation.

throws in the towel

An idiom signifying giving up, particularly in boxing or other sports.

signals defeat

Communicates submission or loss through specific actions or signs.

declares resignation

A formal announcement of stepping down or ceasing involvement.

ceases participation

Formally ends involvement in an activity or event.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "taps out" in a fight?

In grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or mixed martial arts, when someone "taps out", it means they are submitting to their opponent. It's a signal that they are in pain or in a dangerous position and can't continue the fight.

What can I say instead of "taps out" in a more formal setting?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "concedes defeat", "surrenders", or "withdraws" depending on the specific situation. These alternatives avoid the informality associated with "taps out".

How is "tapped out" different from "taps out"?

"Taps out" refers to the action of submitting or signaling defeat, while "tapped out" (often hyphenated as "tapped-out") generally means exhausted, depleted, or having reached a limit, such as being "tapped out" financially.

Can "taps out" be used in contexts other than physical competitions?

Yes, "taps out" can be used metaphorically to describe someone giving up or withdrawing from a situation, even if it's not a physical contest. For instance, someone might "taps out" of a project if they're overwhelmed or unable to continue.