car ferry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "car ferry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a type of ferry that is specifically designed to carry vehicles, including cars, across a body of water. Example: "We took the car ferry to the island, which allowed us to bring our vehicle along for the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Price includes car ferry.

Independent

It turned out that he had hired a car ferry".

The New Yorker

A car ferry leaves Punta Sam several times a day.

The New York Times - Travel

Three days earlier, we'd crossed by car ferry into France.

The Guardian - Travel

There are regular shipping services from Naples and Pozzuoli and a car ferry from Pozzuoli.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the winter months, when there's no car ferry, the round-trip is around 400 miles.

Independent

What the rubberneckers loved was the Queen's Rolls Royce Phantom V1, brought across by car ferry.

The Guardian

But wait, ohno...Alwick tells us that this is not a car ferry.

The Guardian - Travel

From the car ferry we saw bobbing seals and pelicans flying in ballet style formation.

The Guardian - Travel

(The easiest way to travel between the two points is a car ferry that costs 6,000 riels, or $1.50).

The New York Times

Crossing these disputed straits proved easy enough for us, though, as we drove on to the car ferry from Eceabat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing travel routes, specify the "car ferry" route name or departure/arrival points to provide clearer directions.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "car ferry" can accommodate oversized vehicles without prior confirmation. Always check the ferry's vehicle size restrictions before traveling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "car ferry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing a mode of transportation or a specific service.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "car ferry" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a ferry designed to transport vehicles. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "vehicle ferry" or "auto ferry" exist, "car ferry" remains a frequently used and well-understood term for this mode of transportation. When using the term, ensure clarity by specifying the route or destination, and always verify vehicle size restrictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vehicle ferry

Focuses on the broader category of vehicles, not just cars.

auto ferry

Uses "auto" as a synonym for "car".

ferry for cars

Rephrases the term with a prepositional phrase.

ferry transporting cars

Uses a participle phrase to describe the ferry's function.

ferry carrying vehicles

Broader term including other types of vehicles.

car transport ferry

Switches the order of the words to emphasize transport.

roll-on/roll-off ferry

Technical term referring to how vehicles board the ferry.

ferry with car deck

Highlights a specific feature of the ferry.

maritime car transport

Highlights maritime transportation of cars.

floating car carrier

Describes it as a carrier and less as a mean of transportation.

FAQs

How do you use "car ferry" in a sentence?

A "car ferry" transports vehicles and passengers across a body of water. For example, "We took the car ferry to the island".

What is another term for "car ferry"?

Alternatives to "car ferry" include "vehicle ferry" or "auto ferry", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "automobile ferry" instead of "car ferry"?

Yes, "automobile ferry" is a correct, though slightly more formal, alternative to "car ferry". Both terms are widely understood and accepted.

What should I consider when booking a "car ferry"?

When booking a "car ferry", consider factors such as vehicle size restrictions, departure and arrival times, and whether reservations are required.