took a tap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a tap" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts to describe receiving a light hit or touch, but clarity is important. Example: "He took a tap on the shoulder to get his attention."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In a decisive blur of action, Geraghty took a tap and darted through the red ranks for a try that shook the Irish side to their confident core.

Independent

She took a tap on turn 11 and on the final two right-handers she continues her good run, ending up with a track record.

The Guardian - Sport

Stringer took a tap 15 metres out and Malcolm O'Kelly came tantalisingly close to the line before the defence scrambled him and the ball into touch.

The Guardian - Sport

Tom Rees scored in the 49th when he took a tap near the Americans' try line and barged his way through four defenders to touch down.

The New York Times - Sports

They went in front within two minutes when Platt crashed over before going 10-0 up when Sammut took a tap back from a Gale kick to pop over in the left corner.

BBC

I took a tap dancing class recently.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Saturday brought the pleasure of watching and hearing Savion Glover, who took a tap-dance solo on an amplified platform during "Who Used to Dance," connecting miraculously well with the rhythm section.

The New York Times - Arts

NSW take a tap 10m out.

The Guardian - Sport

The 22-year-old went down in the buildup to the try, but was fit enough to take a tap penalty that flanker Jim Hamilton turned into a score for wing Jonnie May.

The Guardian - Sport

But, with five minutes left, and still time to get back within drop-goal range, the Warriors chose to take a tap penalty rather than go for goal, and the Falcons remained resilient to earn a crucial away win.

BBC

The first was pure opportunism when Wasps turned their backs on a penalty, allowing Goode to take a tap-and-go and put Chris Wyles, the wing, over in the corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions in sports like rugby, "took a tap" can effectively convey a player's quick decision to restart play with a tap penalty. Ensure the context clearly indicates the sport and the specific action.

Common error

Avoid using "took a tap" in formal writing or situations where a more precise term would improve clarity. For instance, in technical contexts, specify the type of tap (e.g., "took a quick tap penalty" rather than just "took a tap").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a tap" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a player's action in sports, particularly rugby, where a player quickly restarts play after a penalty. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in sports contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a tap" is an acceptable, though not standard, way to describe a quick action, often in sports, specifically rugby. Ludwig AI indicates it might be better to use more precise language in formal contexts. While the phrase is understandable, and occurs somewhat frequently in News & Media, there may be more suitable options depending on the context. For example, in rugby it can mean that a player restarted the game by tapping the ball with their foot, as the examples in Ludwig illustrate. Consider alternatives like "received a tap" or "executed a tap" for clarity or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a tap

Emphasizes the act of getting a tap rather than performing it.

got a tap

A more casual way of saying received a tap.

executed a tap

Focuses on the action of performing the tap.

performed a tap

Similar to 'executed a tap', highlighting the action.

made a tap

Suggests the creation or generation of the tap.

delivered a tap

Implies a forceful or directed tap.

administered a tap

Suggests a more formal or deliberate application of the tap.

applied a tap

Focuses on the physical action of applying the tap.

used a tap

Highlights the utilization of a tap for a purpose.

undertook a tap

A more formal way of expressing the action of performing a tap.

FAQs

What does "took a tap" mean in rugby?

In rugby, "took a tap" typically refers to a player quickly restarting play by tapping the ball with their foot after being awarded a penalty. This allows for a faster continuation of the game compared to kicking for goal or setting up a scrum.

Are there alternative ways to say "took a tap"?

Yes, you could say "received a tap", "got a tap", or "executed a tap" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the action.

Is it grammatically correct to say "took a tap"?

While not considered standard English, "took a tap" is commonly used and understood in specific contexts, particularly in sports reporting. However, in more formal settings, using a more precise term might be preferable.

How can I use "took a tap" in a sentence?

You might say, "The scrum-half "took a quick tap" and darted through the defense." Ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a tap penalty in a sport like rugby.