a cable car

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cable car" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of vehicle that runs on cables and is typically used for transporting people up and down steep hills or mountains. Example: "We took a scenic ride on a cable car to reach the top of the mountain, where the views were breathtaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sarajevo used to have a cable car.

The Guardian

We illustrate our matter with an example: a cable car system.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The resort has a gondola, a cable car, right next to the comfortable Sport Village Hotel.

Independent

Skyway Monte Bianco, a cable car that ascends from Courmayer, launches this month.

Independent

Actually, today's travellers aren't so hard put – a cable car now whisks them up in minutes.

The Guardian - Travel

A cable car ascends to the central summit of the ridge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The accident on Tuesday sent a cable car hurtling to the ground, killing all 20 passengers.

The New York Times

A cable car carries visitors to a casino 1,000 feet (300 metres) below the peak.

Britannica

Moments earlier, I had been standing in a cable car climbing over Onomichi, Japan.

MIT Technology Review

A cable car runs to Brunni from a station close to the monastery.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His father, Barney, was first an ironworker, then a cable-car conductor, then a garment worker.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a journey or experience, using "a cable car" provides a clear and universally understood image of elevated transportation, enhancing the reader's understanding and visualization.

Common error

Avoid using "a cable car" interchangeably with terms like "chairlift" or "gondola" if precision is needed. A chairlift is open and designed for skiers, while a gondola and cable car are enclosed, but "a cable car" often describes systems spanning longer distances or complex terrain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cable car" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of transportation. Ludwig AI examples confirm it's used to describe journeys and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cable car" is a very common noun phrase used to describe a specific mode of transportation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions descriptively and informatively in various contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias, and science-related content. While generally neutral in register, its usage spans from describing scenic tourist routes to technical discussions of transport infrastructure. When writing, be precise in its application, distinguishing it from similar terms like "chairlift" or "gondola" to maintain clarity and avoid confusion. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gondola lift

Focuses specifically on the type of cable car with enclosed cabins suspended from a cable.

an aerial tramway

Highlights the elevated and suspended nature of the cable car system.

a ropeway

Emphasizes the use of ropes or cables in the transportation system.

a funitel

Specifies a type of cable car that uses two cables for greater stability.

a téléférique

A French term for cable car, indicating a specific cultural or regional context.

a sky tram

Emphasizes the elevated position and tram-like movement of the cable car.

an overhead cable car

Highlights the elevated position of the cable car above the ground.

a mountain lift

Focuses on the function of the cable car as a means of ascending a mountain.

an aerial lift

General term for a lift system that is suspended in the air.

a passenger aerial cableway

More formal specification of a cable car intended for passenger transport.

FAQs

How can I use "a cable car" in a sentence?

You can use "a cable car" to describe a mode of transportation, for example: "We rode "a cable car" to the top of the mountain for stunning views."

What's a synonym for "a cable car"?

Depending on the specific type, synonyms for "a cable car" include "gondola", "aerial tramway", or "ropeway".

Is "cable car" one word or two?

"Cable car" is typically written as two separate words, not one.

What is the difference between "a cable car" and a chairlift?

"A cable car" is typically an enclosed cabin that transports passengers, while a chairlift is an open seat designed primarily for skiers.