a ship of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ship of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a type of ship or referring to a metaphorical concept, such as "a ship of dreams" or "a ship of fools." Example: "In the story, the protagonist embarks on a journey aboard a ship of dreams, seeking adventure and self-discovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And what a ship of ideas it was.

Harvard University

Re "A Ship of Love Passing in the Night.

The New York Times

A young boy conscripted aboard a ship of seasoned sailors.

The New York Times - Books

Put simply, this is a ship of far-right activists.

The Guardian - Opinion

He wants to become a master mariner, and have a ship of his own.

The New Yorker

"Maybe we were all passengers on a ship of fools," he said.

The New York Times

A Ship of Fools, novel by Katherine Anne Porter, published in 1962.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the Old Guard is a ship of fools, living on borrowed time," he wrote.

The New Yorker

Theresa May sails by like a ship of state, but they suspect she'll rat on Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emil Wessel, a German, the Chief Engineer said "No women come on a ship of the German Navy".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The British specification was more a large, powerful frigate than a ship-of-the-line.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a ship of" metaphorically, ensure the noun following "of" accurately reflects the group or entity being described. For example, "a ship of fools" implies a group characterized by foolishness.

Common error

Avoid using "a ship of" when a simpler, more direct noun phrase would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "the company was a ship of chaos", consider "the company was chaotic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ship of" primarily functions as a determiner followed by a noun and a preposition, setting the stage for describing the ship's contents, purpose, or metaphorical nature. As Ludwig AI explains, it sets the stage for describing the ship's cargo, characteristics, or role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a ship of" functions as a versatile grammatical structure suitable for both literal and metaphorical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various domains. Its register is typically neutral, with frequent appearances in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When deploying "a ship of", consider the noun that follows "of", ensuring it aligns with your intended meaning. By understanding its grammatical structure, communicative purpose, and register, writers can effectively leverage "a ship of" to enhance their written expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vessel of

Substitutes "ship" with the more formal "vessel", indicating a general container or means of transport.

a boat of

Replaces "ship" with "boat", suggesting a smaller maritime craft.

a freighter of

Specifies the type of ship as a "freighter", implying a vessel used for cargo transport.

a cruiser of

Replaces "ship" with "cruiser", indicating a warship designed for high-speed operations.

a shipment of

Shifts the focus to the cargo being transported, using "shipment" to emphasize the goods.

a sending of

Emphasizes the act of dispatching something, using "sending" to highlight the action.

a starship of

Replaces "ship" with "starship", indicating a vessel for interstellar travel.

a spaceship of

Similar to "starship", but may imply a slightly less advanced or smaller spacecraft.

a spacecraft of

A broader term encompassing any vehicle designed for space travel, including probes and satellites.

a dispatch of

Similar to "a sending of", focusing on the act of sending or dispatching something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a ship of" to describe a vessel carrying something specific or, metaphorically, to describe a group with shared characteristics. For instance, "a ship of dreams" or "a ship of fools".

What's the difference between "a ship of fools" and "a vessel of fools"?

While both phrases carry a similar meaning, "a ship of fools" is a more established idiomatic expression, referring to a group of people engaged in foolish or pointless endeavors. "A vessel of fools" might be used but is less common and sounds more literal.

What can I say instead of "a ship of" when referring to cargo?

When referring to cargo, you could use phrases like "a shipment of", "a cargo of", or "a load of", depending on the context.

Is "a ship of the line" a specific type of ship?

Yes, "a ship of the line" refers to a type of warship from the Age of Sail, designed to participate in the line of battle. These were typically the largest and most heavily armed ships in a navy.