tap

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To hit something lightly and quickly, often making a soft sound.

   Grammar: Can be used with an object (tap the table) or without (tap on the table).

   Patterns

   • tap something
   • tap on something
   • tap someone on the shoulder

   She tapped the screen to open the app.

   He tapped on the window to get my attention.

   The teacher tapped the desk with her pen.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To make use of a resource, supply, or source of energy.

   Grammar: Often used with into: tap into a market.

   Patterns

   • tap something
   • tap into something

   The company plans to tap new markets in Asia.

   We need to tap the sun's energy more efficiently.

   She tapped her network to find a job.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To attach a device to a phone or pipe to listen secretly or steal a service.

   Grammar: Often used in passive: the phone was tapped.

   Patterns

   • tap a phone
   • tap a line

   The police tapped his phone for months.

   Someone tapped the cable to get free internet.

4. 4nouncountableBritish

   A device that controls the flow of water or gas from a pipe.

   Grammar: In American English, faucet is more common for water.

   Patterns

   • turn on the tap
   • turn off the tap

   Please turn off the tap when you're done.

   The tap in the kitchen is dripping.

   He fixed the leaking gas tap.

5. 5nouncountable

   A light hit or the sound it makes.

   Grammar: Often used with on: a tap on the door.

   Patterns

   • a tap on something

   I heard a tap on the window.

   She gave the table a gentle tap.

Word forms

Common combinations

tap on

He tapped on the glass to get her attention.

tap into

The startup tapped into a growing market for eco-friendly products.

tap water

In many countries, tap water is safe to drink.

phone tap

The journalist discovered a phone tap on her office line.

tap dance

She learned to tap dance as a child.

Synonyms and how they differ

knock

Knock is a louder, harder hit, often on a door; tap is lighter and softer.

pat

Pat is a gentle touch with a flat hand, often affectionate; tap is usually with a finger or object.

faucet

Faucet is the American word for the water device; tap is more common in British English.

Word family

tapping noun

The act or sound of hitting lightly.

tap noun

A device for controlling liquid flow.

Commonly confused: tap or top?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “tap”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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