aboard

USAGE SUMMARY

"aboard" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to mean getting on or into a vehicle or a ship, or as a preposition meaning on or onto a vehicle or a ship. For example, you could say, "We boarded the plane and took off for our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Aboard are dozens of mainly older people who are off to buy drugs—not the illegal sort, but prescription drugs that can be purchased across the border for a fraction of the price in America.

The Economist

In two weeks... Denzel Washington welcomes you aboard his Flight … Sylvester Stallone in killing mood for Bullet To The Head … In three weeks... Anthony Hopkins masters the master in Hitchcock … Advertising v dictatorship in Chilean hit No… In a month... Bruce Willis and son hit Russia in A Good Day To Die Hard … Judd Apatow brings us up to date with This Is 40 ….

The Guardian - Film

At least 18 people, mostly students aged 12 to 13, were aboard the boat crossing the Niger river on Monday.

The Guardian

I had hoped she was humouring Hastings when he suggested it, rather than actually desiring to go aboard a drifting hotel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Aboriginal celebrants on Sunday morning lit a fire at the Sydney Opera House before the flame, along with offerings from around the world, was carried aboard a boat.

The Guardian

The combination of bracing air, exciting excursions and comfort aboard made Australis life a hypnotically relaxing experience.

The Guardian - Travel

He said: "It reads as a nightmare catalogue of serious safety breaches aboard and alongside these nuclear-armed submarines... Shortages of all types of crew on these submarines has been well-documented and the description of personnel in extremely stressful situations must be alarming given the huge responsibility some of these sailors are given.

The Guardian

Passengers aboard a scientific research ship stuck in sea ice near the coast of Antarctica are preparing to spend another night on the vessel after plans to evacuate them by helicopter were aborted.

The Guardian

He hopped aboard the Indian Railways and would never again return to live in his village as an adolescent.

The Guardian

Sometimes this causes problems that so many of us have the same name, when the navy comes aboard for inspections while we are fishing".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

From £660 for up to four for a week's hire of a live-aboard cruiser, or £310 for three days on the smaller boat ([phone], uk.anjou-navigation.com) Almost 100 years ago, Emperor Khai Dinh sailed around Ha Long Bay in Vietnam in a wooden junk.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aboard" to specifically indicate that someone or something is on a vehicle, vessel, or other mode of transportation. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being boarded.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "aboard" (on a vehicle) with "abroad" (in a foreign country). Ensure you choose the correct term based on the intended meaning and context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aboard" is as an adverb or preposition, indicating presence on or movement onto a vehicle or vessel. Ludwig shows that it often modifies verbs of motion or state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Aboard" functions primarily as an adverb or preposition, denoting presence on or entry into a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in news and media contexts. Common errors involve confusing "aboard" with "abroad", emphasizing the importance of context. Alternative phrases like "on board" offer similar meanings, while understanding register ensures appropriateness. Ludwig's examples reinforce its role in describing movement and location during travel. In essence, "aboard" accurately indicates being on a form of transportation, contributing effectively to clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On board

This phrase is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably to indicate presence on a vehicle or vessel.

Onto the ship

This phrase specifies the vehicle being boarded, adding a specific context.

On the plane

This phrase specifies presence on an airplane, adding a specific context.

On the vessel

This phrase indicates presence on a vessel, offering a more formal tone.

In the train

This phrase indicates being inside a train, similar to being aboard.

Within the aircraft

This phrase specifies being inside an aircraft, clarifying the mode of transport.

Inside the boat

This phrase indicates being within a boat, specifying the type of vehicle.

Embarked on

This phrase implies starting a journey, typically on a ship or other vehicle.

Mounted on

This phrase suggests getting onto something, often a horse or other animal.

Within the carriage

This phrase suggests being inside a carriage, adding specification about the kind of transport

FAQs

How is "aboard" used in a sentence?

Use "aboard" to indicate someone or something is on a vehicle. For example, "The passengers climbed aboard the train" or "Welcome aboard!"

What's the difference between "on board" and "aboard"?

"On board" and "aboard" are often interchangeable, but "aboard" typically implies movement onto something. You can say "Welcome "on board"" as well.

When should I use "aboard" versus "abroad"?

"Aboard" refers to being on a vehicle, while "abroad" means in a foreign country. Don't confuse these two; choose based on your intended meaning. For example, "He traveled "abroad"" versus "He is aboard the ship".

What can I say instead of "get aboard"?

Depending on the context, you might use "board", "get on", or "enter" as alternatives to "get aboard".