a rowboat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rowboat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small boat that is propelled by oars. Example: "We decided to take a rowboat out on the lake for a relaxing afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CR: A rowboat.

The New York Times

She was in a rowboat.

The New Yorker

And he built a rowboat.

The New York Times - Sports

Or a rowboat, a sloop or canoe?

The New York Times

At eight o'clock, a watchman heard a rowboat.

The New Yorker

Other firefighters were in a rowboat commandeered in the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Two men are out fishing in a rowboat.

The New Yorker

And most of them refuse to sell her a rowboat.

The New York Times - Books

"Goldengrove" begins with two sisters, a lake and a rowboat.

The New York Times - Books

Further complications ensue, but in the end Myers and Holding are united in a rowboat.

Columbia University

Despite the captain's warning, Greenhow insisted on trying to escape in a rowboat with several others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rowboat" to add a touch of nostalgia or simplicity to your writing, evoking a sense of traditional watercraft.

Common error

Avoid using "boat" generically when the context requires the specificity of "a rowboat". A large cruise liner is a boat, but not "a rowboat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rowboat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rowboat" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a small, oar-propelled boat. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse scenarios. Primarily found in News & Media, the phrase serves to depict simple, often recreational, watercraft activities. When writing, remember to use "a rowboat" when specificity is needed and avoid generic terms like "boat" when accuracy counts. Use related terms to add richness and subtle shades to your writing, such as "skiff" or "dinghy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rowing boat

Synonymous with "a rowboat", simply using a different word order.

an oar-powered boat

Focuses on the means of propulsion, similar to "a rowboat".

a skiff

Refers to a specific type of rowboat, typically small and light.

a small boat

Broader term, encompassing various small watercraft, including rowboats.

a dinghy

A small boat, often used as a tender for a larger vessel, and can be rowed.

a pleasure boat

Implies recreational use, which is a common context for rowboats.

a small vessel

A general term for a small watercraft.

a light watercraft

Emphasizes the lightweight nature often associated with rowboats.

a manually propelled boat

Highlights the method of propulsion, which is rowing.

a scull

A racing rowboat, more specific and performance-oriented.

FAQs

How can I use "a rowboat" in a sentence?

"A rowboat" is used to describe a small boat propelled by oars. For example, "They rented "a rowboat" for a peaceful afternoon on the lake."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rowboat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a skiff", "a dinghy", or "a rowing boat".

Is there a difference between "a rowboat" and "a motorboat"?

"A rowboat" is powered by oars, while "a motorboat" is powered by an engine. The primary distinction is the means of propulsion.

Which is correct, "a rowboat" or "a row boat"?

"A rowboat" is typically written as one word, making it the standard and more common form. "A row boat" is also understandable, but less frequently used.