board

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'board' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a flat, often rectangular piece of material such as wood or plastic, or as a verb meaning to get onto a plane, train, boat, or other form of transportation. For example: "She boarded the plane early to get a good seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back to the drawing board.

The New York Times

"EE's decision on Friday is surprising in the context of a contract that has more than a year to run and leaves the board with no alternative but to seek the administrator's protection in the interests of all its stakeholders".

The Guardian - Business

It's because if you actually have a robust board, it can be beneficial.

The New York Times

We are currently in the process of interviewing potential board members, and our goal is to add an additional independent member this year in order to regain our 4-star rating by 2013.

The Guardian

Turkmenistan has expressed interest in exporting to the EU via a trans-Caspian pipeline and to India and Pakistan across Afghanistan, but the plans are yet to get off the drawing board.

The Guardian

"I think the ray of light is that there is now an undertaking by government lawyers so that people on board the ship will be taken to a detention centre in the next couple of days," she said.

The Guardian

All 115 people on board were killed.

The New York Times

In June I was invited to sit on the board of advisers for the Matchmaking Institute in New York.

The Guardian

I think that to have Peter on board has given me the courage to be less afraid about standing up on this issue".

The Guardian

It is understood that those on board had been living in a refugee camp in Tamil Nadu before boarding the boat.

The Guardian

Related: Mental health charities can help people where the NHS cannot "To improve access to MBCT we need a combination of top-down action, such as getting commissioners and senior managers on board, and bottom-up action... pro-active mindfulness teachers and trainers setting up high quality local services and encouraging GPs to refer patients who would benefit from MBCT treatment," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "board" in the context of games to describe the surface with markings used for playing, such as a "chess board".

Common error

Avoid using "bored" when you mean "board". "Bored" describes a feeling of being uninterested, while "board" refers to a flat piece of material or a group of directors. Ensure your spelling is correct to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "board" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a flat piece of material or an administrative body. It also functions as a verb, signifying the act of entering a vehicle or providing lodging. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "board" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes physical objects like planks or administrative bodies. As a verb, it signifies actions related to entering a vehicle or providing lodging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. Usage patterns indicate frequent appearances in news and media, formal business contexts, and sports reporting. When writing, remember to differentiate "board" from "bored" to avoid errors. Related terms such as "committee" or "get on" can provide more specific alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directorate

Implies a formal structure of directors managing an organization, akin to a "board" of directors.

governing body

Emphasizes the authority and control aspect of a "board" as a managing entity.

committee

Refers specifically to a group appointed for a specific function, often within a larger organization, rather than a general managing body.

council

Indicates a group assembled for deliberation or advice, differing from the broader managing function of a "board".

plank

Specifically refers to a long, flat piece of timber, narrower in scope than the general term "board".

step aboard

Specifically refers to the action of entering a vessel, more descriptive than a simple "board".

get on

Specifically means to enter or mount a vehicle, ship, or aircraft, where "board" can also mean to provide lodging.

lodging

Highlights the provision of accommodation and meals, one specific meaning of "board".

sweep

Refers to winning all available positions or contests, especially in an election, akin to 'sweeping the board'.

on the ship

Focuses on the location of someone or something, rather than the act of boarding or the entity managing something.

FAQs

How can I use "board" in a sentence?

You can use "board" as a noun, such as "The company's board of directors made a decision", or as a verb, such as "Passengers are invited to board the aircraft".

What are some synonyms for "board" when referring to a committee?

When "board" refers to a committee, you can use synonyms like "committee", "council", or "governing body".

Is it correct to say "on board" or "aboard"?

Both "on board" and "aboard" are correct, but they are used differently. "On board" means being on a vehicle, while "aboard" is an adverb that means 'onto a vehicle'.

What's the difference between "board" and "plank"?

"Board" is a general term for a flat piece of material, usually wood, while "plank" specifically refers to a long, thick piece of timber that is wider than it is thick.