By land

USAGE SUMMARY

"by land" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say "We chose to travel by land instead of by air to cut down on costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By land, it is accessible only through Iran.

The New York Times

By land or water, girl, get outta town.

The New Yorker

By land or by sea?

Science Magazine

By land area alone, Canada ranks fourth.

Wikipedia

Others came by land.

The Economist

Food assistance cannot be delivered by land.

The Guardian

Even more are deported by land across the Mexican border.

The New York Times

The period saw some notable exploration by land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But getting into the neighborhood by land is another story.

The New York Times

Over the years, others have been hurt by land mines.

The New York Times

Other large tracts were being held by land speculators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting modes of transportation, pair "by land" with other prepositions like "by sea" or "by air" for clarity and balance.

Common error

While both refer to land, "by land" typically describes the method of travel or transport, whereas "on land" indicates a location. For example, say "supplies were delivered by land", not "supplies were delivered on land" if you mean the method of delivery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by land" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the means or method of transportation or movement. It specifies that something is transported or travels via terrestrial routes. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by land" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the method of transport or movement across ground. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it is often used in contrast to other modes of transportation, such as sea or air. While semantically related phrases like "overland" or "via ground transportation" exist, "by land" maintains a clear and neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to use "by land" to describe how something travels and avoid confusing it with "on land", which describes a location. Finally, Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its consistent application across news, scientific, and general sources, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overland

A more concise and direct synonym, implying travel across land.

via ground transportation

Focuses specifically on the method of transport being ground-based, emphasizing the physical means.

via the land route

More explicitly defines that a land-based path is being used.

through terrestrial routes

Highlights the pathways or routes taken that are land-based.

on land

A simpler, more literal alternative, focusing on the location of travel.

using surface transport

Emphasizes the type of transport used and that it is on the surface of the Earth.

ground-based

Describes something which is primarily based on the ground.

across the country

Specifies that the travel spans an entire country, highlighting geographical scale.

by road

Highlights travel specifically on roads, often implying motorized vehicles.

on terra firma

A more figurative way to say travel on solid ground, adding a touch of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "by land" in a sentence?

You can use "by land" to describe a method of travel or transportation, such as "The goods were transported "by land" instead of by sea".

What's a synonym for "by land"?

Alternatives to "by land" include "overland", "via ground transportation", or "through terrestrial routes".

Is it correct to say "travel on land" instead of "travel by land"?

While "travel on land" isn't incorrect, it refers more to the location of travel. "Travel "by land"" specifies the means of transportation.

What is the difference between "by land" and "by sea"?

"By land" indicates transportation or movement across ground, while "by sea" indicates transportation or movement across water.