at the stern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the stern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the back part of a ship or boat. Example: "The captain stood at the stern, surveying the horizon for any signs of land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the moment, I'm planted firmly at the stern, part observation, part sun-soaked rapture.

Independent

We paddled canoe-style; I sat in the middle and Marie at the stern.

The New York Times - Magazine

Suddenly, there was a commotion at the stern of the boat.

The New Yorker

His father is a research professor of accounting at the Stern School of Business at N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Even now, a fleet of destroyers, red flags flapping at the stern, have altered course.

The New Yorker

They have an aft wheelhouse and the net is hauled at the stern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the stern of the boat was a modest pilothouse, beneath which a smoky diesel engine rumbled and spat cooling water from a pipe at the stern.

The New Yorker

Her father is an adjunct professor at the Stern School of Business at New York University.

The New York Times - Style

On the main deck is a salon and bar, and at the stern a hot tub.

The New York Times - Travel

The only storm is in my belly; it rumbles as I stand at the stern.

The New Yorker

A wooden dragon head is attached to the bow, a dragon tail at the stern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location on a boat or ship, use "at the stern" to clearly indicate the rear of the vessel. This is especially useful in nautical contexts or when providing directions.

Common error

Avoid using general terms like "back" when "at the stern" provides a more precise and professional description in maritime contexts. For instance, saying "the crew worked at the back of the ship" can be improved to "the crew worked at the stern" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the stern" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a location or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it describing where someone is located or where something is happening on a boat or ship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the stern" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a location at the rear of a boat or ship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. Its primary function is to indicate position, and it is most commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While slightly formal, it enhances clarity in descriptions, particularly in maritime contexts. Alternatives such as "at the rear of the boat" offer similar meanings, but "at the stern" provides nautical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the rear of the boat

Specifies a location at the back of a boat, similar to "at the stern".

in the back of the ship

Indicates a position in the back area of a ship, comparable to "at the stern".

towards the stern

Suggests movement or direction towards the back of the vessel, closely related to being located "at the stern".

aft on the vessel

"Aft" is a nautical term for the rear of a vessel, making this a synonym.

at the back end

Describes the back end of something, which can apply to a boat or ship.

sternward

Indicates direction towards the stern of a vessel, inferring a position or movement.

at the tail end

Signifies the very end or rear of an object or area.

at the after part

"After part" refers to the rear section of a vessel, closely related to "stern".

at the backmost section

Denotes the rearmost section, implying a location at the very back.

at the rearmost part

Indicates the rearmost part of a structure, synonymous with the stern of a vessel in certain contexts.

FAQs

What does "at the stern" mean?

"At the stern" refers to the rear or back part of a boat or ship. It's a nautical term used to specify location on a vessel.

What is a synonym for "at the stern"?

A synonym for "at the stern" is "at the rear", which generally indicates the back part of something.

How do I use "at the stern" in a sentence?

You can use "at the stern" in a sentence like: "The captain stood at the stern, watching the waves."

Is it more appropriate to say "at the back of the boat" or "at the stern"?

While "at the back of the boat" is understandable, "at the stern" is more appropriate in nautical or formal contexts because it's a specific nautical term. It would depend on the context of the writing.