How to Use "Taste" Like a Native Speaker
You probably know the meaning of "taste" as a verb is "to experience the flavor of something." But that's only one way we can use this word.
As a verb, a noun and in idioms, "taste" appears often in daily English conversations. This article will take a look at each of its meanings along with some example sentences that show how they're used.
As a Verb
This is the most common usage of "taste," which we mentioned in the introduction.
Taste is one of the five senses (along with the senses of touch, smell, sight and hearing). When you taste something, you're experiencing its flavor with your tongue.
I can taste bananas and strawberries in this smoothie.
Taste this soup and tell me what you think.
The sense of taste can also be referred to in general.
I lost my sense of taste when I was sick last week.
As a Noun
As a noun, "taste" has a few different meanings and uses.
Preference
A person's "taste" is what they like or appreciate. This can refer to food, art, fashion — almost anything.
Notice that when used this way, "taste" followed by "in."
Nelly has great taste in books. I've enjoyed every novel she's recommended to me.
Tim has unusual taste in fashion. He often wears very strange clothes.
My girlfriend and I have very different tastes in movies; she likes action while I prefer dramas.
Saying that someone has a "taste in" something refers to their general preferences. However, we can use "taste for" to talk about what someone prefers at a particular moment. For example:
A
What would you like for dinner tonight?
B
I've got a taste for Spanish food. Let's have tapas.
This is similar to the expression "in the mood for," which can be used for a variety of things — as in, "I'm in the mood for a mystery novel." However, "have a taste for ~" is mostly used for food.
Related article: Why Native Speakers Say "Have" When They Mean "Eat"
A quick experience
We also use "taste" to talk about a brief experience — something that gives you an idea about what a place, activity or event is like.
My trip to Canada last year was my first taste of international travel.
I got a taste of engineering when I was in high school, but I didn't enjoy it very much.
Idioms With “Taste”
We'll end our look at this word with a few idioms in which you can find it.
In bad/poor taste
Something done or said "in bad taste" is offensive or very inappropriate for the situation.
Her comments were in very bad taste and shocked everyone in the room.
Leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth
An experience "leaves a bad taste in your mouth" if it was unpleasant or if it upset you.
The argument at the end of the meeting left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.
You may also hear someone say "bitter" instead of "bad," like in the following example.
The rude waiters at that restaurant really left a bitter taste in my mouth, so I don't eat there anymore.
~ to taste
We use "to taste" when talking about flavors that can be adjusted according to someone's preferences.
Step 6: Remove the fish from the oven, then add salt and pepper to taste.
In this example, it means adding the right amount of salt and pepper that tastes good to you.
Tastemaker
A "tastemaker" is someone whose opinion about what is cool or fashionable can influence many other people. But these days, tastemakers are often called another name: "influencers"!
The movie star has been a tastemaker for years, and whatever products she buys instantly become popular around the country.
Some DJs are powerful tastemakers in the music industry, helping many young artists reach new fans.
Wrap-up
In addition to its use as a verb, "taste" as a noun is often just as important in daily conversations for talking about what people like or prefer.
"Taste" isn't the only food-related word with surprising uses, though. In fact, we have another article about adjectives that can describe both flavors and personalities. Take a look, then practice what you've learned in a lesson with an Engoo tutor!
