a raft between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a raft between" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used metaphorically to describe a connection or intermediary role between two entities or ideas, but clarity is essential. Example: "The mediator acted as a raft between the two conflicting parties, helping them reach an agreement."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We stood on a cliff and watched young volunteers playfully race a raft between ferry runs, tossing up wide wakes.

The New Yorker

On Goodenough Island, Australian patrols from the 47th Infantry Battalion found and killed 72 Japanese, captured 42, and found another nine dead on a raft between 8 and 14 March 1943.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sam has broadcast live from a raft floating between polar icebergs, danced the salsa on "Despierta America" and interviewed countless newsmakers, celebrities and chefs.

Huffington Post

Several contests are under way: between Mr Obama and Mr Rubio (two sons of immigrants, proud of their only-in-America life stories); between a raft of high-flyers with White House ambitions; and between the parties, for Latino votes.

The Economist

As she was preparing for action, out of the shadows of the union frigate came this short, squat, alien machine, famously derided by one southern sailor as "a cheese on a raft"; it placed itself between the enfeebled Minnesota and Virginia.

The New York Times

Since Mr. Ma's inauguration, a raft of breakthrough agreements between Taiwan and China have yielded a pair of pandas for the Taipei Zoo; the opening of direct shipping, postal and air links; and an arrangement that last year allowed 1.2 million mainland tourists to visit — and spend money — on the island.

The New York Times

Partisans Coronation Tap, Bristol, Tue; Queen's Head Inn, Monmouth, Wed British postbop quartet that can sound like anything from Miles Davis fusion group to a mysterious Wayne Shorter ensemble, with a raft of original ideas in between.

The Guardian

As Ramadanman, he produced a raft of tracks that skipped between junglism, juke and techno, and induced the kind of tongue-lolling you get from a great head massage.

The Guardian - Music

We further showed that the release of intracellular tension had similar effect on the diffusion coefficients of TRPC6 and a raft marker, confirming a strong coupling between TRPC6 and lipid rafts.

Biomaterials

Pretty is a passionate advocate of apprenticeships, aiming to bridge the gap between education and a raft of industries – and is committed to expanding apprenticeship provision.

The Guardian

Mr Smith resigned after the release of a raft of emails indicating that contacts between News Corporation and Mr Hunt's office went much further than previously thought.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing connections, consider using more conventional phrases like "a link between" or "a bridge between" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a raft between" when a metaphorical connection is intended; it might be misinterpreted as a literal raft positioned in a physical space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a raft between" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, attempting to describe a spatial or metaphorical relationship. It aims to position "a raft" as something situated in the space between two entities, potentially acting as a connector. Ludwig AI highlights that the expression is not a standard English phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a raft between" is an unusual construction that seeks to express a connection or intermediary role. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a standard phrase in English, potentially leading to confusion. While grammatically not incorrect, it's infrequently used and may be better replaced with clearer alternatives like "a bridge between" or "a link between". If the aim is to evoke a precarious or temporary connection, it might find a place in creative writing, but clarity should always be prioritized. The phrase is rare across various contexts, including news media, science, and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bridge between

This alternative offers a more common and widely understood metaphor for connection or transition.

a link between

This option provides a direct and straightforward substitute, emphasizing the connection itself.

a connection between

This is a more literal alternative, focusing on the state of being connected.

an interface between

Suggests a point of interaction or communication, often used in technical contexts.

a conduit between

Implies a channel or means of transmitting something from one point to another.

a pathway between

This suggests a route or method for moving or progressing between two points.

a channel between

Similar to conduit, emphasizes a specific route or passage.

a corridor between

Evokes a sense of passage or transition between two distinct areas.

an intermediary between

Highlights the role of something that mediates or facilitates communication.

a median between

This suggests a middle ground or average point between two extremes.

FAQs

What does it mean to use "a raft between" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "a raft between" could suggest something acting as a temporary or unstable connection between two things. However, using more common phrases like "a bridge between" or "a link between" is generally clearer.

Is "a raft between" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "a raft between" is an unusual phrase. Standard English typically uses constructions like "a bridge between" or "a connection between" to express a similar idea.

What are some situations where I might use "a raft between"?

You might use it in highly creative writing where you want to evoke a specific image of a temporary and perhaps precarious connection. However, ensure the context makes your meaning clear.

How can I make my writing clearer if I'm tempted to use "a raft between"?

Consider whether you mean a physical object (a raft) positioned between two locations, or a metaphorical connection. If the latter, use more conventional phrasing such as "a connection between" or "a pathway between".