Tapped vs. Taped — What's the Difference?

Tapped usually means to draw liquid from a large container (like tapping a keg) or to gently strike something. For example, tapping a phone line refers to secretly listening to conversations. Tapped can also mean selecting someone for a position or duty. Taped refers to the use of adhesive tape to stick things together or to record sound or video. When something is taped, it could be physically bound with tape, or an event could be recorded on a tape. Taped has a very tangible aspect to it, either involving a physical object (like tape) or the act of recording.

In terms of action, when something is tapped, it is usually a light, quick action, possibly repeated. Tapped can also imply accessing resources or information. Taping, on the other hand, involves attaching, securing, or recording with tape. Taping is deliberate, securing one thing to another or capturing an event for future replay.

Tapped implies a temporary or gentle action, such as tapping a finger on a table. Taped implies a more permanent or securing action, such as taping a box shut. Tapped is often used in metaphorical senses, such as tapping into one's potential, while taped is usually quite literal.

Tapped can carry the sense of potential, as in tapping into resources or ideas. Taped usually signifies completion or preservation, like taping a document to a wall or taping a television show to watch later. Each word suggests a different kind of interaction with the object or subject at hand.