tape
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A long, narrow strip of material, often used for binding, fastening, recording, or measuring.
A magnetic medium for recording audio or video; the act of recording onto such a medium; any similar narrow strip used for a specific purpose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts from a physical object (adhesive strip, magnetic tape) to a process (recording) and a technology (now often archaic/replaced by digital).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. 'Sellotape' is a British brand name for sticky tape, similar to 'Scotch tape' in the US.
Connotations
In both dialects, 'tape' can feel outdated when referring to audio/video recording technology.
Frequency
The verb usage ('to tape something') remains common in both, though 'record' is often a more modern substitute.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
tape sth (up)tape sth to sthtape sth togethertape sth downhave/get sth taped (BrE informal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “red tape”
- “on tape”
- “have (got) something taped (BrE)”
- “breast the tape”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to bureaucratic procedures ('red tape') or recording meetings.
Academic
Used historically for data storage; metaphorically for 'red tape'.
Everyday
Common for adhesive materials, wrapping parcels, and recording TV shows.
Technical
Refers to magnetic tape storage, measuring tapes, and masking tape in painting/construction.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you tape this parcel up for me?
- I'll tape the football match while we're out.
- He taped the note to the fridge door.
American English
- She taped the poster to the wall.
- Did you tape last night's episode?
- The agent taped the suspect's conversation.
adjective
British English
- A tape recording of the meeting exists.
- We found an old tape deck in the attic.
- Use the tape measure for this job.
American English
- The tape backup system failed.
- He's a big fan of tape music formats.
- We need more tape dispensers in the office.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need some tape to close this box.
- She listened to a tape of English stories.
- The runner broke the tape at the finish line.
- We used masking tape to protect the edges while painting.
- I've got the interview on tape if you want to hear it.
- He carefully taped the wires together.
- Cutting through the red tape took several months.
- The data was archived on magnetic tape.
- She had the entire procedure taped for her records.
- The bureaucracy was paralysed by endless red tape.
- The artist used tape to create sharp geometric lines in the painting.
- Analog tape recording is enjoying a niche revival among audiophiles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TAPE: Think of a long, narrow STRIP that can STICK (adhesive), MEASURE (tape measure), or RECORD (cassette tape).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRAINT/RESTRICTION (bound by red tape); PRESERVATION/CAPTURE (it's on tape); MEASUREMENT (measure of success).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'tape' (лента) with 'type' (тип).
- The phrase 'red tape' (бюрократическая волокита) is not about colour.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tape' as a countable noun for a single piece ('a tape' is correct).
- Confusing 'tape' (noun/verb) with 'tap' (легкое постукивание, кран).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'red tape' primarily refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral and acceptable in most contexts, though in formal writing 'record' might be preferred for audio/video.
'Tape' implies a specific purpose (sticking, recording). 'Band' is a more general term for a flat, thin strip. 'Strip' is the generic shape/form.
While digital recording is standard, 'tape' is still widely understood. Phrases like 'I'll tape the show' remain common in casual speech.
Yes. Uncountable: 'I need some tape.' Countable: 'I bought two tapes.' (referring to cassette/reel tapes or specific rolls).