At the A1 level, 'tapes' is a word you use for simple things. It usually means the sticky strips you use to fix a broken book or wrap a gift. You might say, 'I have two tapes.' It can also be an action: 'He tapes the paper.' At this level, focus on the physical object you can see and touch in a classroom or at home. It is a very useful word for describing how you put things together. You don't need to worry about the 'recording' meaning yet, just think about the sticky rolls of tape you use for crafts.
For A2 learners, 'tapes' expands to include more everyday items. You might talk about 'measuring tapes' when you are measuring how tall you are or how long a table is. You also start to see 'tapes' as a verb for simple recording, like 'She tapes the song.' You should know that 'tapes' is the plural of 'tape' (the object) and the singular verb form (the action). It is important to distinguish it from 'glue.' You use tapes when you want a strip of something sticky. You might also hear about 'cassette tapes' if you are looking at old music players.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'tapes' in various contexts. You understand that it can refer to adhesive strips (like duct tape or masking tape) and also to recording media (like video tapes). You can use it as a verb to describe recording a television show or a meeting. You are also becoming aware of common phrases. You might understand that 'taping something up' means to close it securely with tape. You should be careful with the spelling and pronunciation to make sure you don't confuse it with 'taps.' This is the level where you start using the word in more professional or hobby-related settings, like DIY or music.
B2 learners should understand the nuances of 'tapes.' You know that while we live in a digital age, the word 'tapes' is still used for digital recording (a skeuomorph). You can discuss 'red tape' as a metaphor for bureaucracy. You are familiar with technical uses, such as 'electrical tapes' or 'surgical tapes.' You can use the word in complex sentences, such as 'The leaked tapes caused a major political scandal.' You understand the difference between 'taped' and 'tapped' and can use them correctly in writing. You also recognize that 'tapes' can refer to the finish line in a race.
At the C1 level, your use of 'tapes' is precise and context-aware. You understand the historical significance of magnetic tapes in data storage and can discuss their continued use in archiving. You use the term 'red tape' fluently in business or political discussions. You are aware of specialized types of tapes, such as 'Teflon tape' in plumbing or 'kinesiology tape' in sports medicine. You can use the verb 'tapes' to describe complex actions, like 'The investigator wiretaps the suspect's phone.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose between 'tapes,' 'affixes,' 'records,' or 'documents' depending on the desired tone and precision.
For C2 speakers, 'tapes' is a word with deep layers of meaning. You can use it in highly technical, idiomatic, or literary contexts. You might discuss the 'master tapes' of a famous album and their importance in cultural history. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when 'tapes' is used in legal proceedings as evidence. You can use the word metaphorically in creative writing, perhaps describing how someone 'tapes over' their old memories with new ones. Your mastery includes an effortless grasp of all collocations, idioms, and technical variations, allowing you to use the word with total accuracy and sophistication in any setting.

tapes 30秒で

  • Tapes can be sticky strips used to join or fix items in daily life.
  • The word also refers to magnetic media used for recording music or video.
  • As a verb, it means to fasten something with tape or to record something.
  • It is a common word in construction, music, sports, and office work.

The word tapes is a versatile term in the English language that functions as both a plural noun and a third-person singular verb. At its most fundamental level, a tape is a long, narrow strip of material. However, the specific nature of that material and its intended purpose can vary significantly depending on the context. In modern daily life, we most frequently encounter adhesive tapes, which are used for everything from wrapping birthday presents to performing heavy-duty industrial repairs. These strips are coated with a sticky substance that allows them to bond two surfaces together. Beyond the physical act of sticking things, the word historically carries a heavy weight in the world of media and technology. For decades, 'tapes' referred to magnetic storage media, such as cassette tapes for music or VHS tapes for video. While digital streaming has largely replaced these physical formats, the terminology persists in phrases like 'rolling the tapes' or 'getting it on tape,' even when the recording is entirely digital.

Adhesive Tapes
These include common household items like Scotch tape, masking tape used by painters to protect surfaces, and duct tape, which is known for its incredible strength and versatility in emergency repairs. Each type of adhesive tape is engineered with specific properties, such as weather resistance, ease of removal, or high tensile strength.

The carpenter carefully tapes the edges of the window frame before he begins painting to ensure a clean, professional finish.

Magnetic Tapes
In the 20th century, magnetic tapes were the primary method for recording and storing audio and video information. These consisted of a thin plastic film coated with a magnetic material. Although largely obsolete for consumer use, high-capacity magnetic tapes are still used today by large corporations for long-term data archiving due to their reliability and longevity.

Another common physical form is the measuring tape, a flexible ruler used to measure distance or size. In sports, the 'tape' is the finish line marker that runners strive to break. Metaphorically, the term 'red tape' refers to excessive bureaucracy and formal rules that hinder progress. This variety of meanings makes 'tapes' a word that requires careful attention to the surrounding sentences to understand which specific object or action is being discussed. Whether you are in a hardware store, a recording studio, or a government office, you are likely to encounter some form of 'tapes' or the action of 'taping' something.

The investigator reviewed the surveillance tapes to identify the suspect who entered the building after hours.

She tapes her ankles before every marathon to provide extra support and prevent injuries.

Measuring Tapes
Tailors and construction workers use different kinds of measuring tapes. A tailor's tape is soft and flexible to wrap around the human body, while a builder's tape is made of stiff metal that can extend several meters without bending.

The athlete finally broke the tapes at the finish line, securing a new world record for the hundred-meter dash.

He tapes the broken poster back onto the wall using a small piece of clear adhesive.

Using the word tapes correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as either a plural noun or a singular verb. When used as a noun, 'tapes' refers to multiple physical objects. For instance, in a sentence like 'The box contains several rolls of tapes,' the word identifies the items inside. It is important to note that while 'tape' can be an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I need some tape'), 'tapes' specifically denotes individual units or types. In the context of media, you might say, 'I found my old mix tapes in the attic,' where 'tapes' refers to the individual cassette recordings. As a verb, 'tapes' is the third-person singular present form of 'to tape.' This means it follows subjects like he, she, it, or a singular noun. For example, 'The coach tapes the game so the team can analyze their performance later.' Here, the action is the recording of the event.

Noun Usage (Plural)
Focus on the physical quantity. Use 'tapes' when you are talking about different kinds of tape (masking, duct, electrical) or multiple individual cassettes or reels. Example: 'The archive stores thousands of master tapes from the 1970s.'

We need to buy various tapes for the move, including heavy-duty packing tape and fragile-label tape.

Verb Usage (Action)
Focus on the subject performing the action. Use 'tapes' when a single person or entity is fastening something or recording something in the present tense. Example: 'The technician tapes the wires to the floor to prevent people from tripping.'

In technical or professional settings, the word often appears in compound forms or specific phrases. A doctor 'tapes' a patient's ribs to provide stability after an injury. A journalist 'tapes' an interview to ensure they have an accurate record of the conversation. In these instances, the word is indispensable for describing precise actions. Furthermore, when discussing historical archives, 'tapes' is the standard term for the physical reels of film or magnetic media. Even in the digital age, we might say a podcast host 'tapes' an episode, maintaining the linguistic tradition of the physical medium. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise communication, whether you are describing a physical object or a specific action being taken by someone.

The secretary tapes the announcement to the bulletin board so everyone can see the new schedule.

He tapes his favorite late-night show every Tuesday because he has to work early the next morning.

Idiomatic Usage
The phrase 'red tape' is a common idiom. You might say, 'The project was delayed by endless red tape,' meaning bureaucratic hurdles. In this case, 'tape' is usually singular, but 'tapes' can appear when referring to multiple instances of such hurdles across different departments.

The museum features a collection of rare tapes containing interviews with survivors of the Great Depression.

Every morning, the shopkeeper tapes the daily specials menu to the front window of the cafe.

You will encounter the word tapes in a wide variety of real-world environments, ranging from domestic settings to highly specialized professional fields. In a home environment, you might hear someone ask, 'Where are the packing tapes?' during a move, or 'Who tapes their posters to the ceiling?' when discussing interior decor. In the realm of entertainment and media, despite the shift to digital, the word remains ubiquitous. Film sets still use 'gaffer tape' to secure cables, and directors might still say 'the tapes are rolling' as a legacy term for recording. In news broadcasts, you will frequently hear about 'leaked tapes' or 'secret recordings' that expose political or corporate scandals. These recordings are often the centerpiece of investigative journalism.

In Construction and DIY
Construction sites are full of different tapes. Electricians use electrical tape to insulate wires, while plumbers use Teflon tape to seal pipe threads. You'll hear workers asking for specific tapes based on the task at hand.

The forensic team carefully tapes off the crime scene with yellow 'Caution' tape to prevent contamination of evidence.

In Sports and Medicine
Athletic trainers frequently 'tape' athletes' joints. You might hear a commentator say, 'The player is back on the field after the trainer tapes his injured wrist.' In this context, it refers to the application of supportive kinesiotherapy tape.

In the corporate world, 'red tape' is a constant topic of conversation. Employees might complain that 'The company tapes up every new initiative with so much bureaucracy that nothing ever gets done.' While this is a metaphorical use of the verb form, it stems from the historical practice of binding legal documents with red cloth tape. Additionally, in the world of fashion, 'tapes' can refer to hem tapes or body tapes used to keep garments in place. Whether you are listening to a podcast about true crime, watching a home improvement show, or reading a business report, the word tapes appears in numerous contexts, each with its own specific meaning and importance.

The sound engineer tapes the microphone to the stand to ensure it doesn't slip during the high-energy vocal performance.

During the audit, the investigators found several tapes of board meetings that contradicted the official minutes.

In Retail and Logistics
Warehouse workers are constantly using 'tapes' to seal boxes. You'll hear instructions like, 'Make sure the packer tapes the bottom of the carton twice for extra security.'

The tailor tapes the measurements of the client's waist and shoulders to begin the custom suit fitting.

At the end of the race, the winner's chest hits the tapes, signaling the conclusion of the grueling marathon.

While tapes might seem like a straightforward word, learners and even native speakers often make specific errors in its usage. One of the most common mistakes is confusing the verb 'tapes' with 'taps.' While they look similar, their meanings and pronunciations are distinct. 'Tapes' (rhymes with 'shapes') involves the use of adhesive or recording media. 'Taps' (rhymes with 'caps') refers to a light, rhythmic strike or the act of drawing liquid from a faucet. For example, saying 'He taps the box shut' is incorrect; the correct word is tapes. Conversely, 'She tapes on the window' is likely a mistake for 'taps' unless she is literally applying adhesive to the glass.

Spelling and Tense Errors
When moving to the past tense, many people forget to drop the 'e' or add the correct ending. The past tense of 'tape' is 'taped' (one 'p'), while the past tense of 'tap' is 'tapped' (two 'p's). This distinction is crucial for written clarity. For example, 'The conversation was taped' (recorded) vs. 'The table was tapped' (struck lightly).

Incorrect: He tapped the poster to the wall. Correct: He taped the poster to the wall.

Countable vs. Uncountable Confusion
'Tape' can be an uncountable noun when referring to the material in general. You would say, 'I need some tape.' However, 'tapes' is used when referring to specific rolls, types, or recordings. A common mistake is using 'tapes' when you just mean a single piece of the material. You wouldn't say, 'Give me a tapes'; you would say, 'Give me a roll of tape' or 'Give me some tape.'

Another error involves the modern application of the word 'tapes' in the digital era. While it is acceptable to say someone 'tapes' a video on their phone, some purists might argue that 'records' is more accurate since no physical tape is involved. However, 'tapes' has become a 'skeuomorph'—a term that remains in use even after the technology it describes has changed. Finally, be careful with the plural 'tapes' in the context of 'red tape.' While you can talk about 'bureaucratic tapes' in a very specific, rare sense, the idiom is almost always singular: 'There is too much red tape.' Using it in the plural here will sound unnatural to native speakers.

Incorrect: She tapes on the drum. Correct: She taps on the drum.

Incorrect: I have many red tapes to deal with. Correct: I have much red tape to deal with.

Subject-Verb Agreement
Remember that 'tapes' is the singular verb form. 'They tapes the boxes' is incorrect; it should be 'They tape the boxes.' Conversely, 'He tape the show' should be 'He tapes the show.'

Incorrect: The athlete broke the tap at the finish. Correct: The athlete broke the tape at the finish.

Incorrect: Please tapes this for me. Correct: Please tape this for me (imperative form).

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to explore words that are similar to tapes but offer different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are using 'tapes' as a noun or a verb, several alternatives might be more precise. For the noun form referring to adhesive, you might use 'strips,' 'bands,' or 'fasteners.' If you are referring to the action of recording, synonyms like 'records,' 'captures,' or 'documents' are excellent choices. In the context of magnetic media, 'reels,' 'cassettes,' or 'recordings' can provide more specificity. Understanding these alternatives allows you to avoid repetition and tailor your language to the specific situation.

Tapes vs. Adhesives
'Tapes' specifically refers to the strip format. 'Adhesives' is a broader category that includes glues, epoxies, and pastes. Use 'tapes' when the physical form is a long strip.

Instead of using messy glue, she tapes the photos into her scrapbook for a cleaner look.

Tapes vs. Records (Verb)
'Tapes' implies a specific method (historically magnetic), while 'records' is the general term for capturing audio or video. In a digital world, 'records' is often preferred in formal writing, while 'tapes' remains common in casual speech.

When discussing the physical strips used in fashion or construction, 'ribbons' or 'filaments' might be appropriate if the material isn't adhesive. In a medical context, 'bandages' or 'dressings' are often used alongside 'tapes.' For the metaphorical 'red tape,' alternatives include 'bureaucracy,' 'officialdom,' or 'formalities.' By choosing the most accurate word, you demonstrate a deeper command of English. For example, 'The archivist catalogs the recordings' sounds more professional than 'The guy tapes the tapes.'

The technician secures the loose cables with industrial fasteners to ensure safety in the server room.

The historian documents the oral histories by recording the elders' stories on digital devices.

Comparison Table
  • Tapes: General, physical strips or recording action.
  • Binds: Stronger, implies wrapping around something tightly.
  • Adheres: More formal, focuses on the sticking property.
  • Archives: Specifically for long-term storage of recordings.

The athlete straps his knee for support, a term often used interchangeably with 'tapes' in sports medicine.

The project was hindered by bureaucratic hurdles, which is a more formal way to describe 'red tape.'

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The term 'red tape' originated in the 16th century when legal and government documents in Europe were bound with red cloth tape. It became a symbol of bureaucracy because opening these documents was a slow and formal process.

発音ガイド

UK /teɪps/
US /teɪps/
Single syllable, no primary stress variation.
韻が合う語
shapes grapes capes escapes landscapes drapes apes scrapes
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing it like 'taps' (/tæps/) with a short 'a'.
  • Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (e.g., 'tape-is').
  • Confusing the 's' sound with a 'z' sound.
  • Mumbling the 'p' sound before the 's'.
  • Failing to elongate the 'a' sound properly.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts due to its common usage.

ライティング 3/5

Requires care with spelling (taped vs tapped) and subject-verb agreement.

スピーキング 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but avoid confusing it with 'taps'.

リスニング 3/5

Must distinguish between noun and verb based on context.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

Stick Record Paper Music Box

次に学ぶ

Adhesive Bureaucracy Archiving Fastener Substrate

上級

Skeuomorph Kinesiology Ferromagnetic Protocol Affixation

知っておくべき文法

Third-Person Singular Present

He tapes (not 'he tape').

Pluralization of Countable Nouns

One tape, two tapes.

Past Tense Spelling (Single Consonant)

Tape -> Taped (not Tapped).

Phrasal Verbs with 'Tape'

Tape up, tape off, tape over.

Compound Noun Formation

Duct + tape = Duct tape.

レベル別の例文

1

He has many tapes in his bag.

Il a beaucoup de rubans adhésifs dans son sac.

Plural noun.

2

She tapes the picture to the wall.

Elle scotche l'image au mur.

Third-person singular verb.

3

I need two tapes for the boxes.

J'ai besoin de deux rubans pour les boîtes.

Plural noun.

4

The teacher tapes the name tag.

Le professeur scotche l'étiquette de nom.

Third-person singular verb.

5

Look at these colorful tapes!

Regardez ces rubans colorés !

Plural noun.

6

He tapes the broken toy.

Il répare le jouet cassé avec du ruban adhésif.

Third-person singular verb.

7

We use tapes for the party.

Nous utilisons des rubans pour la fête.

Plural noun.

8

She tapes the card shut.

Elle ferme la carte avec du ruban adhésif.

Third-person singular verb.

1

The worker uses measuring tapes every day.

L'ouvrier utilise des mètres rubans chaque jour.

Compound plural noun.

2

He tapes the football match on TV.

Il enregistre le match de football à la télé.

Verb meaning 'to record'.

3

My grandfather still has old music tapes.

Mon grand-père a encore de vieilles cassettes de musique.

Plural noun referring to media.

4

She tapes the boxes before the move.

Elle ferme les boîtes avec du ruban avant le déménagement.

Third-person singular verb.

5

Are there any tapes in the drawer?

Y a-t-il des rubans adhésifs dans le tiroir ?

Plural noun in a question.

6

The nurse tapes the bandage carefully.

L'infirmière fixe le pansement avec soin.

Third-person singular verb.

7

He tapes a note to the fridge.

Il scotche une note sur le frigo.

Third-person singular verb.

8

We found some video tapes in the attic.

Nous avons trouvé des cassettes vidéo dans le grenier.

Plural noun.

1

The electrician tapes the wires to keep them safe.

L'électricien scotche les fils pour les garder en sécurité.

Third-person singular verb.

2

She always tapes her favorite shows to watch later.

Elle enregistre toujours ses émissions préférées pour les regarder plus tard.

Verb indicating a habit.

3

You can find different types of tapes at the hardware store.

Vous pouvez trouver différents types de rubans au magasin de bricolage.

Plural noun.

4

The athlete tapes his ankles to prevent injury.

L'athlète se scotche les chevilles pour prévenir les blessures.

Third-person singular verb.

5

The journalist tapes the interview for accuracy.

Le journaliste enregistre l'entretien pour plus de précision.

Verb meaning 'to record audio'.

6

These tapes contain important historical data.

Ces bandes contiennent des données historiques importantes.

Plural noun as subject.

7

He tapes the poster up so it doesn't fall.

Il scotche l'affiche pour qu'elle ne tombe pas.

Phrasal verb 'tapes up'.

8

The tailor tapes the fabric before cutting it.

Le tailleur marque le tissu avec du ruban avant de le couper.

Third-person singular verb.

1

The leaked tapes revealed the truth about the company.

Les enregistrements divulgués ont révélé la vérité sur l'entreprise.

Plural noun referring to evidence.

2

The technician tapes the sensors to the patient's chest.

Le technicien fixe les capteurs sur la poitrine du patient.

Third-person singular verb.

3

He tapes the entire ceremony from the back of the room.

Il enregistre toute la cérémonie depuis le fond de la salle.

Verb describing a professional action.

4

The archive is filled with master tapes of classic films.

L'archive est remplie de bandes originales de films classiques.

Compound noun 'master tapes'.

5

She tapes the edges of the floor before she starts painting.

Elle protège les bords du sol avec du ruban avant de commencer à peindre.

Third-person singular verb.

6

The detective reviewed the surveillance tapes for hours.

Le détective a examiné les bandes de surveillance pendant des heures.

Plural noun.

7

The government tapes all official communications for the record.

Le gouvernement enregistre toutes les communications officielles pour archive.

Third-person singular verb.

8

He tapes the broken handle, but it's only a temporary fix.

Il scotche la poignée cassée, mais ce n'est qu'une solution temporaire.

Third-person singular verb.

1

The researcher tapes the oral histories of the indigenous tribes.

Le chercheur enregistre les histoires orales des tribus indigènes.

Verb meaning to document/preserve.

2

The company struggles with the red tapes of international trade.

L'entreprise lutte contre les lourdeurs administratives du commerce international.

Metaphorical use (rare plural of red tape).

3

The audio engineer tapes the session to ensure a high-fidelity backup.

L'ingénieur du son enregistre la session pour garantir une sauvegarde haute fidélité.

Verb in a technical context.

4

These archival tapes are extremely fragile and require careful handling.

Ces bandes d'archives sont extrêmement fragiles et nécessitent une manipulation prudente.

Plural noun with adjectives.

5

The athlete tapes his joints meticulously before every competition.

L'athlète se scotche les articulations méticuleusement avant chaque compétition.

Verb describing a precise ritual.

6

The whistleblower provided the tapes that incriminated the CEO.

Le lanceur d'alerte a fourni les enregistrements qui ont incriminé le PDG.

Plural noun as evidence.

7

He tapes the delicate fragments of the ancient scroll together.

Il assemble les fragments délicats du parchemin ancien avec du ruban.

Verb describing a restoration process.

8

The museum's collection includes various magnetic tapes from the early computer era.

La collection du musée comprend diverses bandes magnétiques du début de l'ère informatique.

Plural noun in a formal description.

1

The sheer volume of red tapes involved in the merger was staggering.

Le volume impressionnant de formalités administratives impliquées dans la fusion était ahurissant.

Stylistic pluralization of an idiom.

2

The director tapes the final rehearsal to analyze the spatial dynamics of the actors.

Le metteur en scène enregistre la répétition générale pour analyser la dynamique spatiale des acteurs.

Verb in an artistic/analytical context.

3

The forensic scientist tapes the microscopic fibers found at the scene.

Le scientifique légiste prélève avec du ruban les fibres microscopiques trouvées sur les lieux.

Verb describing a specific forensic technique.

4

The legacy of these tapes lies in their ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1960s.

L'héritage de ces bandes réside dans leur capacité à capturer l'esprit du temps des années 1960.

Plural noun in a philosophical context.

5

He tapes the perimeter of the experimental zone to prevent interference.

Il délimite le périmètre de la zone expérimentale avec du ruban pour éviter les interférences.

Verb describing scientific protocol.

6

The archival tapes were digitized to preserve the ephemeral sounds of the city.

Les bandes d'archives ont été numérisées pour préserver les sons éphémères de la ville.

Passive construction with plural noun.

7

The surgeon tapes the incision site after the sutures are complete.

Le chirurgien recouvre le site de l'incision avec du ruban après la fin des sutures.

Verb in a medical/technical context.

8

The composer tapes the ambient noise of the forest to incorporate into his symphony.

Le compositeur enregistre les bruits ambiants de la forêt pour les incorporer dans sa symphonie.

Verb describing a creative process.

よく使う組み合わせ

adhesive tapes
measuring tapes
video tapes
duct tapes
tapes shut
tapes off
magnetic tapes
masking tapes
tapes over
master tapes

よく使うフレーズ

red tape

— Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules.

There is so much red tape to open a new business.

get it on tape

— To record an event as it happens.

Did you manage to get the lightning strike on tape?

the tapes are rolling

— Recording has started.

Quiet on set, the tapes are rolling!

tape something up

— To cover or secure something completely with tape.

Tape up that broken window until the glass arrives.

break the tape

— To win a race by crossing the finish line first.

She was the first to break the tape at the marathon.

leaked tapes

— Secret recordings that have been made public.

The leaked tapes caused a scandal in the capital.

tape delay

— A broadcast that is aired later than it was recorded.

The Olympics were shown on a tape delay in some regions.

mix tapes

— A compilation of songs recorded onto a cassette.

I used to spend hours making mix tapes for my friends.

police tape

— Yellow tape used to mark a crime scene.

The house was surrounded by yellow police tape.

scotch tapes

— Common brand name used for clear adhesive tape.

We need more scotch tapes for the school project.

よく混同される語

tapes vs taps

Taps are light strikes or faucets; tapes are strips or recordings.

tapes vs tips

Tips are advice or the ends of objects; tapes are long strips.

tapes vs types

Types are categories; tapes are specific objects.

慣用句と表現

"cut through the red tape"

— To find a way to ignore or bypass bureaucratic rules.

The mayor promised to cut through the red tape to help small businesses.

Professional
"on tape"

— Recorded on a physical or digital medium.

The confession was caught on tape.

Neutral
"tape measure"

— A flexible ruler used for measuring.

Hand me the tape measure so I can check the width.

Neutral
"the tape of the movie"

— Referring to the physical film or recording.

The tape of the movie was damaged by the heat.

Informal
"taped to the spot"

— Unable to move due to fear or shock (metaphorical).

He stood there as if taped to the spot when he saw the bear.

Literary
"wrapped in red tape"

— Completely blocked by bureaucratic procedures.

The aid was wrapped in red tape and never reached the victims.

Professional
"the finish tape"

— The line marking the end of a race.

He lunged forward to hit the finish tape.

Sports
"tape over the cracks"

— To try to hide a problem rather than fixing it properly.

The new policy just tapes over the cracks in the system.

Informal
"hit the tape"

— To reach the end of a long process or race.

We are finally about to hit the tape on this project.

Neutral
"rolling tapes"

— The act of starting a recording session.

We have rolling tapes, so please start your speech.

Media

間違えやすい

tapes vs taps

Similar spelling and sound.

Taps involves a short 'a' and refers to hitting or water valves. Tapes involves a long 'a' and refers to adhesive or recording.

He taps the table, but he tapes the box.

tapes vs taped

Past tense of tape.

Taped is the past tense of tape (one 'p'). Tapped is the past tense of tap (two 'p's).

The box was taped shut.

tapes vs ribbon

Both are long strips of material.

Ribbon is usually for decoration and is not sticky. Tape is usually functional and often adhesive.

She tied a ribbon on the gift after using tape to seal it.

tapes vs bandage

Both used in medicine.

A bandage covers a wound; medical tape (tapes) holds the bandage in place.

The nurse applied a bandage and then used tapes to secure it.

tapes vs glue

Both are adhesives.

Glue is a liquid or semi-solid; tape is a solid strip with adhesive on it.

I prefer tapes because glue is too messy.

文型パターン

A1

I have [number] tapes.

I have three tapes.

A2

He/She tapes the [object].

She tapes the box.

B1

They use tapes to [verb].

They use tapes to fix the chair.

B2

The [adjective] tapes were [verb-ed].

The surveillance tapes were analyzed.

C1

Despite the red tape, he [verb-ed].

Despite the red tape, he secured the permit.

C2

The archival tapes serve as a [noun].

The archival tapes serve as a testament to the era.

B1

He tapes the [event] for [reason].

He tapes the lecture for his friend.

A2

Put the tapes in the [location].

Put the tapes in the box.

語族

名詞

tape
taping
taper
videotape
audiotape

動詞

tape
taped
taping
tapes

形容詞

taped
tape-like

関連

adhesive
cassette
recording
strip
ribbon

使い方

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

よくある間違い
  • He tapped the box shut. He taped the box shut.

    Tapped means hitting lightly; taped means using adhesive tape.

  • I have many red tapes to do. I have much red tape to deal with.

    Red tape is usually an uncountable idiom in this context.

  • She tapes on the door. She taps on the door.

    You tap on a door to knock; you tape a door if you are sticking something to it.

  • The music is on this tape's. The music is on these tapes.

    Do not use an apostrophe for a simple plural noun.

  • They tapes the game. They tape the game.

    With a plural subject (they), the verb should be 'tape', not 'tapes'.

ヒント

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always use 'tapes' with singular subjects like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. For plural subjects like 'they' or 'we', use 'tape' without the 's'.

Be Specific

Instead of just saying 'tapes', specify the type: duct tape, masking tape, or electrical tape. This makes your English sound more natural and precise.

The One-P Rule

Remember that 'taped' (from tape) has one 'p', while 'tapped' (from tap) has two. This is a very common mistake in written English.

Long A Sound

Practice the long 'a' sound in 'tapes' (/teɪps/). It should sound like the 'a' in 'cake' or 'lake'. This distinguishes it from 'taps'.

Using Red Tape

Use the phrase 'red tape' when you want to complain about slow government or corporate processes. It is a very common and useful idiom.

Digital Taping

Don't be afraid to use 'tapes' for digital recording. Even though it's technically incorrect, most native speakers use it every day.

Check the Surroundings

When you see the word 'tapes', look at the words around it. If you see 'box' or 'wall', it's adhesive. If you see 'music' or 'video', it's a recording.

Avoid Repetition

If you have already used 'tapes' in a paragraph, try synonyms like 'secures', 'affixes', or 'records' to keep your writing interesting.

S vs Z

The 's' in 'tapes' is a voiceless /s/ sound. If you hear a /z/ sound, the speaker might be saying a different word or have a specific accent.

Legal Evidence

In a legal context, 'the tapes' usually refers to surveillance or wiretap evidence. This is a high-stakes use of the word.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Tapes' as 'Things Always Providing Extra Stickiness'. Or remember that 'Tapes' rhymes with 'Shapes'—you use tape to hold shapes together.

視覚的連想

Imagine a giant roll of silver duct tape wrapping around a cardboard box. See the shiny surface and feel the sticky texture.

Word Web

Sticky Record Music Box Measure Strip Adhesive Video

チャレンジ

Try to find five different types of tapes in your house and describe what each one tapes.

語源

The word 'tape' comes from the Old English 'tæppe', which referred to a narrow strip of cloth or a fillet. It is related to the Middle Dutch 'tap' and the Old High German 'zapfo'.

元の意味: A narrow strip of fabric used for binding or decoration.

Germanic

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'wiretaps' can be a sensitive topic regarding privacy.

The phrase 'getting it on tape' is still used by almost everyone, even though they are using digital phones.

The Nixon Tapes (historical political scandal) 13 Reasons Why (popular book/show centered on cassette tapes) The finish line tape in the movie 'Chariots of Fire'

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Moving House

  • Packing tapes
  • Tape the bottom
  • Heavy-duty tapes
  • Tape the bubble wrap

Music Studio

  • Master tapes
  • Rolling the tapes
  • Tape hiss
  • Analog tapes

Construction

  • Measuring tapes
  • Electrical tapes
  • Duct tapes
  • Teflon tapes

Office/School

  • Scotch tapes
  • Tape the poster
  • Masking tapes
  • Dispenser for tapes

Legal/News

  • Leaked tapes
  • Surveillance tapes
  • Wiretaps
  • The tapes prove...

会話のきっかけ

"Do you still have any old cassette tapes or VHS tapes at home?"

"What is the most useful thing you have ever fixed with duct tapes?"

"Have you ever had to deal with a lot of red tape at a government office?"

"Do you prefer digital recordings or the sound of old analog tapes?"

"How often do you use measuring tapes in your daily life?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a memory involving a mix tape you once received or made.

Write about a time you felt 'wrapped in red tape' and how you solved the problem.

If you could record any historical event on tape, which one would it be and why?

List ten creative uses for adhesive tapes other than sticking paper.

Discuss the transition from physical tapes to digital storage in your lifetime.

よくある質問

10 問

It can be both. As a noun, it is the plural of 'tape' (e.g., 'I bought three tapes'). As a verb, it is the third-person singular present form of 'to tape' (e.g., 'He tapes the game').

Yes, it is very common to say someone 'tapes' a video or audio even if they are using a digital device. This is a legacy term that remains popular in casual English.

Red tape is an idiom that means excessive bureaucracy or complicated official rules that make it difficult to get things done. It is usually used in the singular, but 'red tapes' can be used to refer to multiple specific instances.

The past tense is 'taped'. Be careful not to spell it 'tapped', which is the past tense of 'tap'.

Master tapes are the original recordings of a song or film from which all other copies are made. they are highly valuable and usually kept in secure archives.

Duct tape is a very strong, fabric-based adhesive tape. It is famous for being able to fix almost anything and is a staple in toolboxes around the world.

The material 'tape' is often uncountable (e.g., 'I need some tape'). However, 'tapes' is the countable plural form used for individual rolls or specific recordings.

To 'tape off' an area means to use tape (like police tape or caution tape) to block people from entering a specific space.

Yes, 'tapes' can refer to the finish line of a race. A runner 'breaks the tape' when they win. It also refers to athletic tape used to support joints.

Masking tape is usually made of paper and is easy to remove, often used in painting. Scotch tape is a brand of clear, thin plastic tape used for paper and gifts.

自分をテスト 180 問

writing

Write a sentence using 'tapes' as a verb to describe recording something.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'tapes' as a plural noun to describe adhesive strips.

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writing

Explain the meaning of 'red tape' in your own words.

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writing

Describe a situation where you would use duct tape.

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writing

Write a short paragraph about the history of music tapes.

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writing

Compare 'tapes' and 'glue' as adhesives.

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writing

Use 'tapes' in a sentence about a sports event.

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writing

Write a sentence using the phrasal verb 'tape off'.

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writing

Describe what a measuring tape looks like.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about archival tapes.

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writing

Write a sentence about a journalist using tapes.

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writing

Use 'tapes' in a sentence about home decor.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'leaked tapes'.

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writing

Explain why an athlete might use tapes.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'tapes' as a noun in a classroom context.

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writing

Describe the sound of an old tape recording.

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writing

Write a sentence about a technician and tapes.

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writing

Use 'tapes' in a sentence about a mystery or crime.

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writing

Write a sentence about a tailor using a tape.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'master tapes'.

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speaking

Describe three different things you can do with tapes.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How do you pronounce 'tapes' and 'taps'? Explain the difference.

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speaking

Tell a story about a time you used duct tape to fix something.

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speaking

What does 'red tape' mean to you? Give an example.

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speaking

Do you think physical tapes are better than digital recordings? Why?

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speaking

Explain how a measuring tape works.

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speaking

Describe what 'taping off' an area looks like.

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speaking

What is a 'mix tape' and why did people make them?

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speaking

How does a journalist use tapes in their work?

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speaking

What are 'surveillance tapes' and where are they used?

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speaking

Explain the phrase 'the tapes are rolling'.

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speaking

What is 'masking tape' and when do you use it?

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speaking

Describe the feeling of 'breaking the tape' at the end of a race.

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speaking

What is 'electrical tape' and why is it important?

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speaking

Talk about the 'Nixon Tapes' and their historical importance.

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speaking

What is 'tape hiss' and why do some people like it?

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'taped' and 'tapped'.

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speaking

How do you use tapes in a medical setting?

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speaking

What is a 'tape dispenser'?

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speaking

Why do some people still use magnetic tapes for data?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'He tapes the box shut.' What is he doing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The tapes revealed the truth.' What are 'the tapes'?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'She needs more tapes for the project.' Is 'tapes' a noun or a verb?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The coach tapes every game.' How often does he record?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'There's a lot of red tape.' Is this a good or bad thing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The athlete tapes his knee.' Why?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The master tapes were lost.' What was lost?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'He tapes the note to the fridge.' Where is the note?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The tapes are rolling.' What should you do?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'We found old tapes in the attic.' What kind of tapes are they likely to be?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The technician tapes the wires.' What is the goal?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'She tapes the card shut.' What is she closing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The leaked tapes caused a scandal.' What was the result of the tapes?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The tailor tapes the length.' What is he doing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'He accidentally tapes over the wedding.' What happened to the wedding video?

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