we were tapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were tapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has been selected or chosen for a particular role, task, or opportunity, often unexpectedly. Example: "After the meeting, we were tapped to lead the new project due to our previous experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In time, we were tapped to hit the buffet line, which snaked down the hotel's corridor.

The New Yorker

"By the time we got to the question of a fence," he said, "we were tapped out -- financially and spiritually".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It felt like we were tap dancing on the needlepoint of change.

The Guardian

But the wireless Web is like it was in the old days when we were tapping into bulletin boards with a 300-baud modem".

The New York Times - Tech

We knew we were tapping into something pretty powerful".

TechCrunch

Part of what made Boston exciting was the fact that we were tapping into something that was, in a way, forbidden.

TechCrunch

We were tapping into networks and saying all the right things, and despite all our best intentions, we couldn't get more women in the door.

TechCrunch

Eventually, we were tapping different points of our bodies (wrists, foreheads, etc).

Huffington Post

SItn up noccurredtothe best of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

Also, we were very aware that we were tapping into a powerful meme, and we knew there was some interest with it.

Huffington Post

I knew it was big, but I had no idea how much of a market we were tapping into with the Model 3".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were tapped" when you want to convey that a selection was somewhat unexpected or informal, but still carried a sense of purpose or suitability.

Common error

Avoid using "we were tapped" in highly formal or official communications. Opt for alternatives like "we were selected" or "we were appointed" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were tapped" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received the action of being chosen or selected. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were tapped" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express that a group has been selected for a particular purpose. While Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a slightly informal tone. For more formal settings, alternatives like "we were selected" or "we were chosen" might be more appropriate. The key is to use "we were tapped" when you want to imply a somewhat unexpected but purposeful selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were selected

Implies a more formal or deliberate choice compared to "tapped".

we were chosen

Similar to 'selected' but can suggest a broader range of selection criteria.

we were handpicked

Highlights the personal and careful nature of the selection process.

we were picked

Suggests a less formal and possibly more arbitrary selection process.

we were designated

Indicates an official assignment or appointment to a specific role.

we were appointed

Implies a formal assignment, often to a position of authority or responsibility.

we were assigned

Indicates a direct order or instruction to undertake a specific task.

we were recruited

Suggests an active effort to bring someone into a group or organization.

we were drafted

Implies a mandatory selection, often for military or similar service.

we were called upon

Indicates a formal request or invitation to participate in something.

FAQs

What does "we were tapped" mean?

The phrase "we were tapped" means that a group of people were selected or chosen, often somewhat unexpectedly, for a specific task, role, or opportunity.

When is it appropriate to use "we were tapped"?

It's appropriate to use "we were tapped" when describing a selection process that isn't overly formal and you want to convey a sense of being chosen for a particular reason or expertise.

What can I say instead of "we were tapped"?

You can use alternatives like "we were selected", "we were chosen", or "we were appointed" depending on the context.

Is "we were tapped" formal or informal?

The phrase "we were tapped" leans towards being slightly informal. In more formal settings, using "we were selected" or "we were chosen" might be more suitable.