Some English words might seem simple until you try to use them, such as tab and tap. Besides near pronunciation, these words have close spellings, which is why most people confuse them. Knowing more about tab vs tap makes it easy to tell these terms apart.
The word tab means a tag attached in an item to categorize, manipulate or secure it and reveal a lot more that’s necessary. In contrast, tap means a device that controls the flow of liquid or gas from a container or pipe.
Read the rest of the article to understand the meaning of each word and how they can be applied in various contexts to avoid confusion.
Definitions Of Tab And Tap
The first thing to note is that “tab” and “tap” are both correct English words, but they are not synonyms. Learning the definitions will enable you to know how to tell them apart and have a clear explanation and clarity of both terms.
What Is The Definition Of Tab?
The simplest definition of the noun “tab” is a tiny insert (paper or cloth) that is attached to something, usually containing some information about that thing written on it.
Other meanings as a noun are the cost of goods or services that you have to pay, a metal strip you pull off on top of a dink to open it, or a drug in tablet form.
Other Definitions of the Word Tab
- Tab (informal) a bill for a meal or a list of accruing costs of drinks.
- A tab (tabulator or tab key) is a key on a computer that moves the cursor up to a predetermined number of spaces.
- Tab (verb) to furnish or ornament with tab or tabs.
- Tab (verb) to name or designate.
- Tab (abbreviation for typhoid paratyphoid A and B (vaccine) or the Australian and NZ Totalizer Agency Board.
- Tab (to operate the tab function on a typewriter or computer. It can also be an abbreviation for a table, referring to a list or chart.
What Is The Definition Of Tap?
Tap (verb) to make sharp noises by hitting something gently and repeatedly. Also, to touch the screen of a tablet computer or phone so that you can give it instructions for something that needs to happen.
More meanings include using something, a type of dancing style, a device to form an internal screw thread or an intermediate point in an electric circuit that you can use to make a connection.
Other Definitions of Tap
- Tap means using a small device attached to the phone to secretly listen to what people say.
- Tap also refers to a sound that comes out when the tongue rotates in the mouth fast while interacting with the alveolar area.
- Tap (informal) to select someone for a job.
- Tap means to put information or numbers into a computer, laptop, or phone by pressing buttons.
- Tap means to repair by putting a tap on.
- Tap is the synonym of rap; it means to strike an audible light blow.
How To Properly Use Tab And Tap In Your Sentences
After learning the meaning of the words “tab” and “tap,” you will easily know how to use them in your sentences. That’s because, unlike the spelling and pronunciation that are almost similar, the definitions of these words differ. However, if you are still confused by these words, read on to get clarification.
How To Use The Word Tab
Use the word “tab” as a noun. A noun is the name of the thing, and in the case of a tab, it can be a bill from a bar or restaurant, a key on a typewriter or processor that can cause tabulation, or a dose of medicine that has small pellets.
How To Use The Word Tap
Use the word “tap” as a verb. A verb describes an action, and in this case, the word taps describe the act of touching someone or something gently. An example is a way someone can tap their foot on the floor when listening to music they enjoy or when you give your friend a light tap on the shoulder to get their attention.
You can also use it as a noun. Nouns are words used to identify things. In the case of tap, use the word when talking about the sound made by a gentle blow, a small metal plate attached to the toe or heel of the shoe used in tap dancing, or a faucet used to draw water from a cask or pipe.
Tab Vs Tap: 5 Main Differences
Here are the differences between the words “tab” and “tap” that will help you better understand them.
First Use
The first record of the word “tab” was in 1600-1610. The word’s first use was as a short form of table, tabulator, or tableau. The first recorded use of the word “tab” as a real word was between 1920-1925; the word was used to mean a tag or label. On the other hand, the first use of the word tap was in the 13th century to mean to strike lightly, especially with a light sound.
The Origin
The word tab originates from the Latin word “tabella.” In contrast, the origin of the word tap is from the Old High German “zapfo” borrowed by the Old Norse and changed to tappi tap. Later the English borrowed it and used it as tappa before changing it to tap.
Spellings And Pronunciation
The correct spelling of the word “tab” is “TAB” while the correct spelling of the word “tap” is “TAP” You will notice that the difference in the spellings is the last letter. However, both words have a single syllable, making them easy to pronounce.
Slang Use
Both the words “tab” and “tap” have found their way into English slang. In slang, the word “tab” means an ear. While in slang, “tap” means to have sexual intercourse with someone.
In Computer
The word “tab” in computer means a key on the keyboard or a document header inside a window. While “tap” means a gentle touch on the screen or computer’s touchpad with a finger.
List Of Examples Of Tab And Tap In Sentences
One of the easiest ways to learn about the difference between words that often confuse you is by reading them in sentences and trying to understand the differences. For example, in the case of “tab” and “tap,” reading sentences with these words will help you better learn and understand the difference between these two words.
Example sentences of the word tab
- The lawyer asked the police to keep a tab on the suspect’s activities.
- Joyce asked his date if they could split the tab.
- If you want to access the controls, click on the tab.
- The council taxpayers have been picking the tab for many years.
- Mark wondered how his restaurant tap totaled over a thousand dollars.
Example sentences of the word tap
- I wanted to tap him on his shoulder, but he turned around and saw me.
- Brenda teaches tap and salsa.
- Paul hired a spy to tap your phone, so your business partner could spy on you.
- We like this school because the teachers tap into the student’s natural abilities.
- The management requested the employees to turn off each tap after use to preserve water.
More Word Comparison Posts
Tab vs Tap: The Verdict
Both tab and tap are correct English names. In summary, the word tab is a small flab cloth or paper attached to something and used for identification. In contrast, the word tap refers to a device used to dispense liquids and many more meanings, as discussed in this article.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.