a toboggan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a toboggan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a type of sled used for sliding down snow-covered hills. Example: "During the winter, we love to take a toboggan down the slopes at the local park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He had to pull her on a toboggan.

The New Yorker

Some slid on a toboggan back down to the bottom.

The New York Times - Sports

Ernst and Tsypin's main event was a toboggan run through Russian history.

The New Yorker

Most racing sleds are of two types, a toboggan style or a stanchion-supported basket style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Think about it as the difference between a hockey skate and a toboggan," Mr. Cutts said.

The New York Times

Lech has also invested in a park for snowboarders and a toboggan run in nearby Oberlech.

The New York Times - Travel

After detours to a toboggan run and other easy operatic venues, all is forgiven.

The Guardian - Music

Macaroni and cheese was appropriately crusty and lumpy and as smooth as a toboggan run.

The New York Times - Travel

(There is also a toboggan run, although it was closed because of the warm weather).

The New York Times - Travel

But the slide still resembled a toboggan careening out of control into the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

CNN has been on a run as well, but it's the kind a toboggan makes on a snowy hill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing winter activities, use "a toboggan" to provide a specific image of the type of sled involved, enhancing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a toboggan" interchangeably with other sled types like "a bobsled" or "a luge". "A toboggan" specifically refers to a long, runnerless sled, while other sleds have different designs and purposes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a toboggan" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "a" acting as an article specifying a particular type of sled. It serves to identify and categorize a specific object used for winter recreation as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a toboggan" is a common and grammatically correct phrase referring to a specific type of sled. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in news and media, encyclopedias, and general writing, emphasizing its descriptive and narrative function. While it is important to distinguish it from other sled types, its meaning is generally well-understood. The phrase appears in neutral register and there are several alternative ways to express similar meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, offering writers a clear and specific way to refer to this iconic winter vehicle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wooden toboggan

Specifies the material from which the toboggan is made.

a runnerless sled

Emphasizes the absence of runners, which is a key characteristic of toboggans.

a flexible sled

Highlights the flexible nature of some toboggans.

a flat sled

Describes the flat shape of a toboggan.

a snow sled

Specifies that the sled is designed for use on snow.

a long sled

Describes the toboggan based on its length.

a winter sled

Highlights the seasonal use of the sled.

a sled

Replaces "toboggan" with a more general term for a snow-sliding device.

a downhill sled

Focuses on the sled's use for sliding down hills.

a recreational sled

Indicates that the sled is used for leisure activities.

FAQs

How is "a toboggan" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a toboggan" is generally used to describe the act of sledding down a hill on a specific type of sled. For example, "We took "a toboggan" to the park and spent the afternoon sliding down the snowy slopes."

What are some alternatives to saying "a toboggan"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a sled", "a snow sled", or "a runnerless sled".

Is it correct to say "I went tobogganing" or "I went on a toboggan"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "I went tobogganing" refers to the activity of riding a toboggan, while "I went on "a toboggan"" implies you rode a toboggan, but doesn't necessarily mean you participated in the sport.

What differentiates "a toboggan" from "a bobsled"?

"A toboggan" is a long, flat-bottomed sled without runners, used for recreational sledding. "A bobsled", on the other hand, is a streamlined, steerable racing sled with runners, used in the sport of bobsledding.