I turn on the water vs I turn up the tap

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning of starting the flow of water from a tap. The choice between 'I turn on the water' and 'I turn up the tap' depends on personal preference or regional variations.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 4695 views

I turn on the water

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate starting the flow of water from a tap.

This phrase is used to describe the action of opening a tap or faucet to allow water to flow.

Examples:

I turn on the water before brushing my teeth.
Don't forget to turn on the water when you're washing your hands.
She turned on the water to fill the kettle.
He turned on the water to water the plants.
The plumber turned on the water supply after fixing the leak.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now I will turn on the main water valve.
I'll just turn on the cold water.
Whenever I turn a tap on, the water goes crazy.
Clean the house, mop the floors clean, and just as I taught you, turn on the water and take a shower.
So I turn the water off right here.
"Turn on the water".
Just let him turn on the water.
Turn on the water works, you can get out of anything.
If using a water bath, turn on the water bath and allow it to equilibrate at 58ºC (55-60ºC).
Could you turn on the water for me?
- I'll turn the water off.
Chemical fertilizers turn the water brown.
They didn't even bother to turn the water off.
Low temperatures turn water into ice.
I'm in the shower! Turn on the water!
It was anger alone... that could turn the water at my feet suddenly ice.
Just go get some restraints and turn the water off to the floor.
They always turn the water off when the veterans visit the centre.
Okay, so he attaches it to a transparent pipe, and he turns the water on.
And then he turns the water up a bit, so it starts coming back in. And nothing changes.

Alternatives:

I start the water
I open the tap
I activate the water
I switch on the tap
I release the water

I turn up the tap

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate increasing the flow of water from a tap.

This phrase is used when referring to adjusting the tap to increase the water flow.

Examples:

Can you turn up the tap a bit? The water pressure is too low.
She turned up the tap to fill the bucket faster.
He turned up the tap to get a stronger stream of water.
The plumber turned up the tap to check the water pressure.
I turned up the tap to wash the dishes more efficiently.

Show examples from the web [+]

Spoke to the owner and when I turn up the rent.
You ready to talk or should I turn up the heat?
I turn up the fan and send you out
You ready to talk or should I turn up the heat?
Anyone mind if I turn up the heat at Ted?
Well, if I turn up the amplitude too much, I'm having an effect on the pressure, which means during the making of that sine wave, the speed at which it is propagating is shifting.
But I do know this... if the water comes out when I turn on the tap, it doesn't happen magically.
But... I'm thinking if I turn up with the ring, he might forgive me.
Now soon as I turn up - she's there with salt, cutting a lemon.
I turn up with one of my best policemen and it turns out that this brilliant policeman proves to be a baboon.
I said he doesn't remember when I turn up.
I'll use inglewood to set up the tap on Corrine's phone.
This is the time to turn up the intensity.
I must tell Dorota to turn up the air.
Whoever wants me out, they turn up the heat.
Danica, turn up the volume, someone may be listening.
...and turn up the flame on the squabs.
Time to turn up the heat.
Your dad never lets us turn up the heat.
I'll turn up the thermostat as soon as I finish these bills.

Alternatives:

I increase the water flow
I raise the tap
I up the water pressure
I boost the tap
I amplify the flow

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I turn on the water vs I turn up the tap