back at anchor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back at anchor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a ship or boat that has returned to a stationary position after being at sea or in motion. Example: "After a long journey, the vessel is finally back at anchor in the harbor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Back at anchor in Asau, the winds abated and we enjoyed a few of the pleasures of work in Samoa.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At "GMA," meanwhile, Ms. Roberts was back at the anchor desk.

The New York Times

Five days after the surgery, Drury was back at the anchor desk.

The New Yorker

Williams was back at the MSNBC anchor desk on Wednesday for more coverage of Pope Francis' visit.

Los Angeles Times

After spending millions to broadcast Williams from the royal wedding, NBC decided there was a more important story for their anchor back at home.

Huffington Post

Yesterday, CNN anchor Larry King fired back at Kutcher saying that one man couldn't take down a whole network.

TechCrunch

It was just like old times when former "Saturday Night Live" head writer and "Weekend Update" co-host Seth Meyers was back at the desk, this time joining anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost for a special "SNL" edition of "Really!?!" .

Huffington Post

At anchor off the Chinese coast, a Scottish trader likens hindering the opium trade to holding back the ocean's tides.

The Economist

Missouri, rides at anchor.

The New York Times - Arts

Boston, at anchor in the harbour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And I see the ships at anchor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about nautical events or travels, use "back at anchor" to provide readers with a clear picture of a journey coming to a pause.

Common error

Avoid using "back at anchor" interchangeably with terms like "moored" or "docked". "Moored" can refer to any fixed position, while "docked" implies being secured to a pier or wharf. "Back at anchor" specifically means having returned to an anchored position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back at anchor" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to indicate the state of being stationary after movement, specifically for vessels. Ludwig's examples show its use in descriptive contexts related to ships and harbors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back at anchor" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a vessel that has returned to a stationary, anchored position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's relatively rare in usage. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts and can be used to convey a sense of completion or return to a safe place. While the term is primarily literal, it could be used metaphorically in creative writing. Remember to differentiate it from similar nautical terms like "moored" or "docked" to ensure accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

re-anchored

This alternative is a more concise and direct way of saying "back at anchor", implying a renewed state of being anchored.

returned to port

This alternative emphasizes the completion of a journey and the arrival back at a designated harbor.

re-established at anchor

Implies a more intentional and deliberate return to an anchored position.

moored again

This phrase highlights the action of securing a vessel in a specific location once more.

returned to mooring

This alternative focuses on the act of returning to a designated mooring spot.

safe in harbor

This phrase emphasizes the safety and security found upon returning to a harbor, rather than just the act of anchoring.

berthed once more

This focuses on the action of mooring in a berth or designated space, suggesting a return to a familiar spot.

again secured

This emphasizes that something is once again secure and stable, specifically referring to mooring.

back in the slip

This phrase denotes returning a boat to its designated slip or docking space.

at rest in harbor

Suggests a state of calmness and inactivity in a safe location.

FAQs

What does "back at anchor" mean?

The phrase "back at anchor" describes a boat or ship that has returned to a stationary position by dropping its anchor. It implies a return to a safe or resting state after a period of movement.

Where might I encounter the phrase "back at anchor"?

You're most likely to find "back at anchor" in nautical contexts, such as travel writing about sailing, maritime news reports, or historical accounts of naval activities.

What's a simpler way to say "back at anchor"?

Depending on the context, you could use "re-anchored", "moored again", or "returned to port".

Is it ever appropriate to use "back at anchor" metaphorically?

While primarily literal, "back at anchor" could be used metaphorically to describe returning to a stable, secure situation after a period of instability or change. This usage would be less common but potentially effective in creative writing.