The Many Ways to Use “Taste” (with Discussion Questions)
Most English learners will know "taste" as a verb for experiencing the flavor of food and drinks.
Fluent speakers, however, use it for much more than just this. In addition to that basic verb usage, “taste” is also a versatile noun in addition to appearing in several common idioms.
So if you’ve already explained how to use "like" and "-ish", why not move on to this next bit of useful vocabulary?
As a Verb
This is the most basic meaning (“to experience the flavor of”), which we referred to in the introduction. Taste, of course, is one of the five senses, along with touch, smell, sight and hearing.
- Taste this soup and tell me what you think.
We also use it to refer to our sense of taste in general.
- I lost my sense of taste when I was sick last week.
As a Noun
"Taste" has a few notable uses as a noun that are important to know.
Preference
Simple explanation: what someone likes or appreciates
This is used in a general sense and can refer to things like food, art, fashion and more.
Point out that when it's used this way, it's followed by "in."
- Maya has great taste in books. She gives me great recommendations.
- My girlfriend and I have very different tastes in movies; she likes sci-fi while I prefer documentaries.
This “taste” is also used in the expression "have a taste for," which refers to what someone would like at a particular moment. For example:
- I’ve got a taste for Spanish food. Let's have paella tonight.
You can explain that this is very 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." "Have a taste for," however, is mostly used for food.
A short experience
The other noun usage refers to a short experience that gives an idea about what a place, activity or event is like.
- This trip to Canada is my first taste of international travel.
- The internship will give you a taste of what it’s like to work at this company.
Idioms with “Taste"
In bad/poor taste
Meaning: something offensive or inappropriate for a situation
- Her comments were in bad taste and shocked everyone in the meeting.
Leave a bad taste in someone's mouth
Meaning: to leave negative or unpleasant feelings
- The argument left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.
An acquired taste
Meaning: something that requires time before it can be enjoyed
- Japanese natto is an acquired taste.
To taste
Meaning: in the right amount (according to someone's preferences)
- Remove the fish from the oven, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Tastemaker
Meaning: a person whose opinions about what is cool or fashionable can influence many others
- Some DJs are powerful tastemakers in the music industry who can help young artists reach new fans.
Discussion Questions
- What’s the most famous dish from your country? Do you like it?
- Do you have any unusual tastes (in hobbies, clothing, music, etc.)?
- Is there something you like now that you had to acquire a taste for?
- What’s an experience you've had a taste of that you’d like to try again?
- Are there any tastemakers whose opinions you trust?
Wrap-up
Students who think "taste" is limited to discussions about food may be surprised to learn how useful it can be in a variety of contexts, from preferences to experiences.
That being said, if you'd like more food-related materials to cover, check out this roundup of Daily News articles on world cuisine.
