a boat of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a boat of" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard expressions or contexts, as it lacks clarity and specificity. Example: "I saw a boat of people on the lake." (This is unclear and awkward.)

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

After 20 years of pursuing separate hobbies, Lon and Fredda Goldstein discovered that they both loved boating, enough to invest in a boat of their own.

The New York Times

In a boat of your own, for some reason?

The Guardian - Sport

And a boat of gravy on the side".

The Guardian - Film

He sits at a boat of a desk, in front of a gilt-framed seascape.

The New Yorker

In 1989, a boat of partygoers capsized near Rio, killing more than 50 people.

The New York Times

I talked to a guy this morning, he was unloading a boat of monkfish.

The New Yorker

The last time it bought a boat of this size was nearly 40 years ago.

The New York Times

A boat of good but unnecessary steak sauce stands by, for those who must.

The New York Times

The velvety filet mignon arrived with a boat of buttery béarnaise sauce.

The New York Times

Peter Dutton addressed media about the interception of a boat of 21 asylum seekers from Vietnam.

The Guardian

"That's a boat of refugees, and it'll arrive on this side in about 15 minutes".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a boat of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the boat contains, such as "a boat of refugees" or "a boat of supplies", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a boat of" when a more specific term would provide clarity. For example, instead of "a boat of people", consider "a group of passengers" or "a boatload of tourists".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a boat of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by indicating the contents or occupants of the boat. Ludwig examples show it describing passengers, goods, or abstract concepts linked to a vessel.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Travel

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Food

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a boat of" is commonly used to describe the contents or occupants of a boat. While prevalent in news and media, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what the boat contains (e.g., "a boat of refugees"). Ludwig AI suggests considering more descriptive alternatives to avoid vagueness. The analysis indicates that "a boat of" functions as a prepositional phrase with a neutral register, serving to specify a vessel's contents or occupants. When writing, prioritize clarity and consider alternatives for more descriptive and precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vessel carrying

Replaces the general term "boat" with a more specific term "vessel" and includes an action.

a craft filled with

Uses a more generic term "craft" instead of "boat", suitable for various water vehicles.

a ship laden with

Substitutes "boat" with "ship", implying a larger size, and uses "laden" to emphasize cargo or passengers.

a group aboard a boat

Highlights the collective nature of people on a boat.

a ferry transporting

Replaces "boat" with a specific type, "ferry", indicating a regular transport service.

a load of

Focuses on the cargo or contents rather than the vessel itself.

a barge transporting

Refers to a specific type of boat, "barge", usually for cargo.

a dinghy holding

Uses "dinghy", a smaller type of boat, changing the scale and context.

a flotilla of

Implies a collection of boats rather than a single one.

a quantity of

Emphasizes the amount or volume being transported, less specific to boats.

FAQs

How can I use "a boat of" in a sentence?

Use "a boat of" to describe the contents or occupants of a boat, such as "a boat of refugees" or "a boat of supplies". Ensure the context is clear.

What are some alternatives to saying "a boat of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a vessel carrying", "a ship laden with", or "a group aboard a boat".

Is it correct to say "a boat of people"?

While grammatically acceptable, "a boat of people" can be vague. Consider using more descriptive phrases like "a boatload of tourists" or "a group of passengers" for better clarity.

What's the difference between "a boat of refugees" and "a refugee boat"?

"A boat of refugees" describes a boat carrying refugees, while "a refugee boat" implies the boat itself is specifically used for or associated with refugees. The former focuses on the occupants, and the latter on the boat's purpose or association.