board the ship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "board the ship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of getting onto a ship, typically in the context of travel or transportation. Example: "Passengers are requested to board the ship at least 30 minutes before departure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or pirates board the ship.

The New York Times

There are no Crawleys on board the ship.

The New York Times

Everyone on board the ship was safe, Mr. Tatro said.

The New York Times

We have no desire to board the ship.

The New York Times

Go up the ladder, get on board the ship.

The New Yorker

Its hero, Vakulinchuk, is killed on board the ship.

The Guardian - Music

I still swayed in rhythm to the past weeks on board the ship.

The New York Times

Fish caught in nets by trawlers are dumped on board the ship and allowed to suffocate.

The New York Times

The marines detained the 10 Somali pirates on board the ship.

Independent

"I vividly remember the clapping as the boat was hauled back on board the ship.

Independent

When I arrived at the institute, Robison and his squad were already on board the ship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "board the ship" when you want to clearly and concisely indicate the action of getting onto a ship, especially in instructional or narrative contexts. Be mindful of the target audience and adjust the formality of the language accordingly.

Common error

While "board the ship" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical documents. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "embark on the vessel" or rephrasing for variety and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "board the ship" is as an imperative verb phrase, often used to give a command or instruction. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "board the ship" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase meaning to get onto a ship. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to general instructions. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "embark on the vessel" may be preferable in certain situations. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Academia, with its frequency indicating that it's a well-understood and widely accepted way to describe the action of entering a ship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on the ship

Replaces "board" with "embark", offering a more formal tone.

go aboard the ship

Adds the preposition "aboard" to clarify the direction of movement.

get on the ship

Uses a more informal and direct verb, "get on", instead of "board".

enter the ship

Substitutes "board" with "enter", focusing on the action of going inside the ship.

step onto the ship

Uses "step onto" to emphasize the physical action of getting on the ship.

climb aboard the ship

Adds "climb" to emphasize the effort required to get on the ship, especially if it involves stairs or a ladder.

ascend to the ship

Replaces the verb with "ascend", implying a climb or upward movement onto the ship.

mount the ship

Substitutes "board" with "mount", suggesting a more active or challenging entry.

make one's way onto the ship

Describes the action of getting on the ship in a more elaborate and descriptive way.

proceed onto the ship

Uses a formal verb, "proceed", instead of "board", indicating a deliberate movement.

FAQs

What does "board the ship" mean?

The phrase "board the ship" means to get on or enter a ship. It's commonly used when talking about traveling or working on a ship.

What is a more formal way to say "board the ship"?

A more formal alternative to "board the ship" is "embark on the vessel". This phrase is often used in official announcements or maritime contexts.

Is it correct to say "board on the ship"?

No, it is not correct to say "board on the ship". The correct phrase is "board the ship". The verb "board" directly implies entering a vehicle or vessel.

Can I use "get on the ship" instead of "board the ship"?

Yes, you can use "get on the ship" as an alternative to "board the ship", especially in informal contexts. However, "board the ship" is generally considered more standard and widely applicable.