beach

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'beach' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a body of water in the ocean or a shallow coastline, such as in the sentence: "We had a wonderful beach vacation last summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Belfast woman's remains were not found until 2003 at a beach in the Irish Republic.

The Guardian

Sleep came easily that night in our comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, two to an en-suite tent, lulled by the sound of the waves lapping on the beach below.

The Guardian - Travel

Figures including the Yekaterinburg mayor, Yevgeny Roizman, have criticised the punishment given to the Novorossiysk women and Facebook users have expressed their support for the women by posting photographs of locals swimming, sunbathing and drinking alcohol on the beach next to the monument.

The Guardian

A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.

The Guardian - Travel

Cocktails from £4.30, katzensuppe.com Boomshankar, Canacona Boomshankar isn't fancy but it has a big, old-fashioned beach cocktail list and the best sunset spot in Goa – with tables looking over the gorgeous Colomb Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

Nothing else would have got me off that beach in the Caribbean".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By the time I arrived in Nice, the picnic on the beach had been called off, but I was soon absorbed into the extended family of this pair of single mothers and avid social networkers.

The Guardian - Travel

They were driven to the Libyan beach where they found 600 people hustling for space on a boat built for less than half that number.

The Guardian

As you traverse the town, new vistas constantly come at you, with amazing combinations of architecture and beach.

The Guardian - Travel

This cottage (the owner is planning to build more, hence the plural name) is a few steps from the beach, with a fantastic, sweeping view of the Caribbean from its elevated deck.

The Guardian - Travel

There's plenty of sand to walk, a couple of beach bars to retire to and, of course, superb, swimmable sea.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "beach", be specific about its characteristics. Instead of saying "We went to the beach", try "We relaxed on the sandy beach, enjoying the warm sun and gentle waves".

Common error

Avoid using only the term "beach" without descriptive details. Add adjectives and sensory details to create a more vivid and engaging image for the reader. Instead of a generic statement like "The beach was nice", describe it with more evocative language such as "The secluded cove offered a peaceful beach with turquoise water and soft, white sand."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "beach" is that of a noun, referring to a geographical feature – the zone where land meets a body of water. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, showcasing its role in describing locations and activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "beach" is a common and versatile noun, primarily used to describe the sandy or pebbly shore of a body of water. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Travel. While generally neutral in register, descriptive language can enhance the impact of your writing. Consider using alternatives like "seashore" or "coastline" for nuanced meanings. Avoid overusing the term without descriptive details to create a more engaging experience for your reader. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use the word "beach" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seashore

A more formal or literary term for the area where the land meets the sea.

shoreline

Describes the line of contact between the water and the land.

coastline

Refers to the outline of the land where it meets the sea, often used in geographical contexts.

strand

An older, somewhat poetic term for beach.

sandy shore

Emphasizes the sandy nature of the beach.

seaside

Focuses on the area near the sea, often associated with recreational activities.

littoral zone

A scientific term referring to the part of a sea, lake, or river that is close to the shore.

coastal area

A broader term encompassing the region adjacent to the coast.

waterfront

Highlights the area along the edge of a body of water, especially in a town or city.

bathing area

Designates a spot specifically used for swimming.

FAQs

How can I use "beach" in a sentence?

You can use "beach" to describe a location, activity, or even as part of a compound noun. For example, "We spent the day at the beach", "He enjoys beach volleyball", or "They own a beachfront property".

What are some alternatives to using the word "beach"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "seashore", "coastline", or "sandy shore". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "the beach is sandy" or is that redundant?

While many beaches are indeed sandy, saying "the beach is sandy" isn't necessarily redundant. It emphasizes that particular characteristic, differentiating it from a rocky or pebbly "shoreline".

What is the difference between a "beach" and a "coast"?

A "beach" is a specific area of sand or pebbles beside the sea, while a "coast" is a more general term for the land bordering the sea. A "beach" can be part of a larger "coastal area".