What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patting
Example
She was patting her baby's back to soothe him to sleep. [patting: verb]
Example
He was patting the dog's head as a reward for fetching the ball. [patting: gerund or present participle]
tapping
Example
She was tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for the bus. [tapping: verb]
Example
He was tapping the table with his pen while thinking. [tapping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tapping is more commonly used than patting in everyday language. Tapping is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while patting is less common and has a more specific meaning related to affection or comfort.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between patting and tapping?
Both patting and tapping are informal words that are used in casual conversations. However, tapping can also be used in formal contexts, such as in music or dance performances, while patting is more limited to personal and emotional situations.
