bottom of a ship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bottom of a ship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the lowest part of a ship, often in discussions about maritime construction, navigation, or maintenance. Example: "The crew inspected the bottom of the ship for any signs of damage after the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The story behind the name: Carina means the keel or bottom of a ship.

Harvard University

"Mel Oliver, come in cap, you're crossing the bottom of a ship coming at you," a Coast Guard traffic controller says on the recording.

The New York Times

Scientists believe that the jellyfish, an Atlantic native named Mnemiopsis leidyi, hitched a ride on the bottom of a ship and then rapidly multiplied, feeding on anchovy eggs and the plankton that young fish rely on.

The New York Times - Science

In an attempt to "create a soundtrack to an imaginary horror film about the supernatural", they took their equipment to the bottom of a ship moored at Embankment, where they soaked up the atmosphere provided by perpetual damp and the constant sound of water.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Long wooden bottom part of a ship, that gives it strength.

BBC

It can be built into the bottom of a container ship in two weeks during regular dry-dock maintenance.

The Economist

In the electronic log, which also protrudes through the bottom of the ship, a water-driven rotor turns a small electric generator, the current from which is proportional to the speed of the ship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a two-night cruise with a day on the island, prices for foreigners range from $73 to $94 each in a three-passenger cabin (at the bottom of the ship) to $98 to $137 for a double and $121 to $143 for a single.

The New York Times - Travel

— Patrick Farrell Culture Fred Chesmann, the pioneering cheese importer, looks back on the days when European cheeses often came to America as loose freight at the bottom of the hull of a ship.

The New York Times

"I was hurried to the bottom of the ship and locked in a tiny cabin for a week.

The Guardian

The bottom of the ship turns into a screen (à la "Blade Runner") showing the leader of the alien visitors.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clarify the context when using the term. For instance, differentiate between the exterior hull and internal compartments located at the "bottom of a ship".

Common error

Avoid using "bottom of a ship" when you mean the entire underwater section or hull. The "bottom of a ship" is a specific area, not a general descriptor for the whole submerged part.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottom of a ship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific part of a vessel. As Ludwig shows, this term is commonly used in discussions about maritime activities and ship construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bottom of a ship" is a common noun phrase used to refer to the lowest part of a vessel's hull. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While interchangeable with terms like "hull of a ship" or "keel of a ship" in some contexts, it's essential to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. For clarity, especially in technical writing, it's beneficial to be precise about the specific location on the "bottom of a ship". Avoiding overuse and opting for synonyms like "hull of a ship" can also enhance writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hull of a ship

Refers to the main body of the ship, providing structural integrity and watertight enclosure. It's a more technical term focusing on the ship's structure.

keel of a ship

Specifically refers to the central structural beam running along the length of the ship's bottom, providing stability.

underbelly of a ship

A more evocative term for the underside, often used in descriptive or metaphorical contexts.

underside of a vessel

A general term that applies to any watercraft. 'Vessel' is a more formal term than 'ship'.

ship's undercarriage

Analogy to a car undercarriage, but less common and implies supporting structure.

base of a ship

A more generic term, less specific to nautical contexts.

ship's bottom plating

Focuses specifically on the metal plates that form the bottom of the ship.

lower portion of a ship

A more descriptive and less technical way to refer to the area.

below the waterline on a ship

Describes the area specifically submerged when the ship is afloat.

ship's submerged section

Highlights that the section is under water.

FAQs

How can I describe the "bottom of a ship" more technically?

You can use more precise terms like "hull of a ship" or "keel of a ship", depending on which part you're referring to.

What's the difference between "bottom of a ship" and "hull of a ship"?

The "hull of a ship" refers to the entire body of the ship, providing its shape and watertight enclosure. The "bottom of a ship" is specifically the lowest part of that hull.

When is it appropriate to use "underside of a vessel" instead of "bottom of a ship"?

"Underside of a vessel" is suitable when referring to any type of watercraft, not just ships. It is a more formal and general term.

Is "ship's undercarriage" an appropriate synonym for "bottom of a ship"?

While "ship's undercarriage" draws an analogy to cars, it's less common and implies a structural supporting component, making it not always interchangeable with "bottom of a ship".