boarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of getting on or entering a vehicle, such as a plane, train, or ship. Example: "The passengers boarded the plane promptly at the scheduled time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Police and paramedics boarded our train because there is no air conditioning.

The Guardian

He said the last call Mr ap Rhys Pryce made on his mobile was to his fiancee before he boarded the tube to let her know he was on his way home.

The Guardian

She had defied a masked man who said he was from the new IRA terror group when he boarded the bus at about 6.15pm on Wednesday.

The Guardian

When Real Madrid's bus left Mestalla last night it nudged its way slowly through the thousands of fans that had gathered to cheer the team that had finally defeated them, before pulling out onto Avenida Suecia and heading towards Manises airport, where the players boarded the plane thinking that they had lost top spot in the league.

The Guardian - Sport

During the incident, customs vessels were on the scene and personnel had boarded the asylum seekers' vessel when it was swamped by two large waves and capsized.

The Guardian

"I felt like if we'd stayed there an hour longer, people would have started to argue, there were already disagreements building – a couple of people were complaining about the situation and others were chipping in saying: 'It's crap for everyone, you moaning isn't going to make it any better.'" Jamie Ivory boarded a 7.53am train at East Grinstead and did not arrive at Victoria until around midday.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

They spill out from the Downtown East Side, an area of decrepit boarding houses, sleazy bars and boarded-up shops infamous for the country's highest rates of poverty and drug addiction.

The Economist

Amid boarded-up flats and abandoned gardens the party continued, punctuated by cries of, "These homes need people.

The Guardian - Opinion

The occupation of Sweets Way began last week, when four of the boarded-up properties were occupied by squatters protesting against the redevelopment.

The Guardian

Of the kids who started at the bottom, in low-income families where the parents had a combined total of ten years' schooling, only 4% graduated from college.The house Mr Washington's grandmother left his mother now has seven boarded-up properties for neighbours.

The Economist

The CBD ended up with whole blocks of boarded-up buildings, rubbish piling up and few people in the streets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing travel, use "boarded" to clearly indicate the act of entering a vehicle like a train, plane, or ship. This provides a precise image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "boarded" when you mean to say "boarded up", which describes covering windows or doors with boards. For example, say "The windows were boarded up", not "The windows were boarded".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "boarded" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb "board". It describes the act of entering a vehicle. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to narrate actions in past events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "boarded" is the past tense of the verb 'board' and is frequently used to describe the act of entering a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media contexts. When writing, ensure to use "boarded" when you're specifically describing someone getting on a vehicle, and avoid confusing it with "boarded up". Related phrases include "got on" and "embarked", each with slightly different nuances. As Ludwig exemplifies, it's a straightforward and effective term for describing a common action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Got on

Emphasizes the action of stepping onto a vehicle, slightly less formal.

Stepped aboard

Highlights the physical act of stepping onto a vessel, adding a touch of formality.

Entered

A more general term for going into a space, applicable to various contexts beyond vehicles.

Climbed into

Focuses on the physical effort of getting into a vehicle, particularly if it requires climbing.

Embarking on

Implies starting a journey or adventure, often used in a more figurative or formal sense.

Hopped on

An informal way of saying getting on, implying a quick or casual action.

Took passage on

Suggests a formal or historical context of traveling on a ship.

Mounted

Often used for getting on a horse or bicycle, implying a raised position.

Occupied

Indicates taking possession of a space, suitable when emphasizing presence.

Took to

Implies commencing a journey or activity, more broadly applicable.

FAQs

How can I use "boarded" in a sentence?

You can use "boarded" to describe the action of entering a vehicle. For example, "The passengers "boarded" the train promptly".

What's the difference between "boarded" and "embarked"?

"Boarded" is generally used for any mode of transportation, while "embarked" often suggests starting a sea voyage or a significant journey. "Embarking on" usually implies a grander or more adventurous start.

What can I say instead of "boarded"?

Alternatives to "boarded" include "got on", "entered", or "stepped aboard", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "boarded on" a plane?

No, the correct usage is "boarded" the plane. The preposition "on" is not needed after "boarded" in this context.