adhesive tape
B1Neutral (used in everyday, technical, and commercial contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A strip of material, coated on one side with a sticky substance, used to stick things together or to surfaces.
A general term for pressure-sensitive tapes used for binding, sealing, attaching, or mending.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the physical product (the roll of tape). Can be used as a mass noun ('some adhesive tape') or a count noun ('an adhesive tape' for a specific type).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, specific types are often referred to by brand names (e.g., Scotch tape) or generic terms like 'clear tape'. In the UK, 'Sellotape' is a common brand name used generically. 'Sticky tape' is a common informal term in UK English.
Connotations
Neutral/concrete in both varieties. May carry connotations of DIY, first-aid, or packaging.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, with 'adhesive tape' being the standard technical/descriptive term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[use/apply/cut] adhesive tape [to something/on something]adhesive tape [is used for + gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the term is literal]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in shipping, logistics, and office supplies ('We need adhesive tape for the packages').
Academic
Used in descriptions of experiments, art projects, or engineering ('The sensor was affixed with adhesive tape').
Everyday
Common for household repairs, wrapping gifts, and first aid ('I need adhesive tape to fix this poster').
Technical
Specific types are defined by industry standards (e.g., electrical tape, gaffer tape).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to adhesive-tape the edges of the box.
American English
- He adhesive-taped the wires to the wall temporarily.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; rarely if ever used]
American English
- [Not standard; rarely if ever used]
adjective
British English
- The adhesive-tape dispenser is empty.
American English
- We have an adhesive-tape shortage in the office.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I use adhesive tape to wrap presents.
- There is adhesive tape on the table.
- Could you pass me the adhesive tape? I need to seal this envelope.
- We ran out of adhesive tape for the art project.
- The carpenter used a special adhesive tape to protect the surface before painting.
- For this experiment, ensure the adhesive tape creates an airtight seal.
- The conservator meticulously removed the degraded adhesive tape from the historic document.
- Innovations in biodegradable adhesive tape are reducing packaging waste.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ADHESIVE = sticks, TAPE = a strip. A sticky strip.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADHESIVE TAPE IS A BOND/BINDING AGENT (e.g., 'holding things together', 'binding agreement').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'адгезивная лента' which sounds overly technical. Use 'клейкая лента', 'скотч' (for clear tape), or 'липкая лента'.
- Do not confuse with 'изолента' (electrical tape) which is a specific type.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'an adhesive' (an adhesive is the glue itself, not the tape). Correct: 'adhesive tape'.
- Incorrect: 'I taped it with adhesive.' Correct: 'I taped it with adhesive tape.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a type of adhesive tape?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Adhesive tape' is the general category. 'Scotch tape' (US) and 'Sellotape' (UK) are brand names for clear, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes.
It is very rare and non-standard. The typical verb is simply 'tape' (e.g., 'tape it shut').
Adhesive tape is a pre-applied adhesive on a backing material (like plastic or cloth). Glue is a liquid or semi-liquid adhesive applied directly.
Yes, duct tape is a specific, very strong type of cloth-backed adhesive tape.