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Grammar fix

tap into

draw on or make use of a resource, skill, or feeling

to use or take advantage of something such as knowledge, experience, energy, or a group of people, especially in order to achieve something or solve a problem.

phrasal verbC1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The company hopes to tap into the growing demand for eco-friendly products.work
  • In my opinion, universities should tap into the expertise of industry professionals to make their courses more relevant to the job market.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: tap into + noun (resource/energy/market/knowledge/experience/feeling)

WrongWe should tap into on local knowledge.

RightWe should tap into local knowledge.

'Tap into' takes the object directly — no 'on'.

Patterntap into + noun (resource/energy/market/knowledge/experience/feeling)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The company sought to exploit a previously unreached market.

Natural The company wanted to tap into a new market.

'Tap into' is the natural verb for drawing on a resource or market; 'exploit' can sound negative and formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • tap into + resource
    a marketlocal knowledgetheir expertisedemand

Don't confuse it

Unlike the literal sense of 'tap' (to hit lightly), 'tap into' is always figurative and refers to making use of a resource, not physically touching or hitting something.

Try it in Daily Speak →