What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pat
Example
She patted her dog on the head to show her affection. [pat: verb]
Example
The drummer patted his drumsticks on the snare drum. [patted: past tense]
Example
He gave her a pat on the back for a job well done. [pat: noun]
tap
Example
She tapped her pencil on the desk while thinking. [tap: verb]
Example
The raindrops tapped against the windowpane. [tapped: past tense]
Example
He gave her a tap on the shoulder to get her attention. [tap: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tap is more commonly used than pat in everyday language. Tap is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pat is less common and refers to a more specific type of touch or sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pat and tap?
Both pat and tap are relatively informal words, but tap can be used in more formal contexts, such as business or academic settings, to refer to a light and quick touch or sound.
