docking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "docking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to docking ships, connecting devices, or in gaming when referring to a character or vehicle coming to a stop or connecting to a station. Example: "The spaceship is docking at the station to refuel and restock supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a further transfer of money from the children of the middle classes to their needier contemporaries, Mr Brown has indicated that he will pay some sixth-formers an allowance to stay on at school by docking child benefit for 16-to-18-year-olds 16-to-18-year-olds 16-to-18-year-olds 16-to-18-year-olds 16-to-18-year-olds

The Economist

American warships, loaded with combat materiel, began docking at Turkey's south-eastern port of Iskenderun.

The Economist

The only ships docking at Tobruk's jetties are tankers, and despite the energy flow there are blackouts.

The Economist

Docking stations were deliberately placed away from big railway terminals.

The Economist

Foreign airlines have already withdrawn, while ships bringing food and fuel think twice before docking at Libya's ports.At least the hotel attack might prove "a wake-up call," says the UN envoy, Bernardino León, who is shepherding talks on reuniting the country's splintered factions in Geneva.

The Economist

Alternatively, the Bank could boost its income by docking various interest-rate reductions that most borrowers tend to receive as a matter of course.

The Economist

Early signs are that the new agency will reduce its workload by encouraging parents to enter into voluntary agreements, put more energy into prising open the wallets of deadbeat dads (or non-resident parents) and create incentives for them to pay up by docking less from mothers' welfare payments if they do.

The Economist

Anaesthetics might achieve this either by making the shape of a protein so stable that it cannot flex in response to docking and undocking molecules, or so unstable that the docking port loses its shape.

The Economist

AS THE world gathers in Copenhagen over the coming weeks to discuss how much carbon dioxide people should be putting into the atmosphere, the Benguela Stream will be docking in the Windward Isles to bring bananas to Europe for Christmas, and doing her bit to help ascertain where a large part of that CO2 ends up.

The Economist

As it was making its final approach, an unmanned launch was docking with Russia's Mir space station.

The Economist

Take that cosy, cliched history of black Britain that begins with the Pathe newsreel of Empire Windrush docking at Tilbury.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a ship coming into port, use "docking" to clearly indicate the action of securing the vessel to the pier.

Common error

Avoid using "docking" metaphorically when a more general term like "connecting" or "linking" would be more appropriate, especially in non-technical contexts. For example, instead of saying "the two ideas are docking", consider "the two ideas are connecting".

Linguistic Context

The term "docking" functions primarily as a gerund or present participle, often describing the act of bringing a vessel to a dock or connecting two spacecraft. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's considered correct for use in English. For example, "American warships began docking at Turkey's south-eastern port."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "docking" is used to describe the act of connecting or securing something, primarily vessels or spacecraft. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. The term is most commonly found in news and media sources, with scientific and formal business contexts also contributing to its usage. While "docking" generally maintains a neutral and professional register, specific contexts, particularly the informal and vulgar definition, can shift its tone. Alternatives include "berthing", "mooring", and "connecting", depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

berthing

Refers specifically to securing a ship to a pier or quay, similar to "docking" in a maritime context.

mooring

Similar to berthing but can also refer to anchoring a vessel in open water.

connecting

A more general term for joining two things, applicable in various contexts, including spacecraft or devices.

affixing

Implies attaching something firmly, with a focus on securement.

joining

A basic term for bringing two things together, lacking the precision of "docking".

securing

Focuses on the act of making something safe or firm, applicable to vessels or other objects.

attaching

Similar to connecting, but implies a physical bond between objects.

linking

Refers to establishing a connection, often used in a figurative sense.

fastening

Implies securing something tightly, often with a mechanical device.

coupling

Suggests joining two things together, often with a mechanical or electrical connection.

FAQs

How is "docking" used in the context of space travel?

In space travel, "docking" refers to the process of connecting two spacecraft together in orbit. This requires precise maneuvers and specialized equipment to ensure a secure and airtight seal.

What is the difference between "docking" and "berthing"?

"Docking" generally refers to the process of connecting one spacecraft to another or the securing of a vessel to the quayside with cables, while "berthing" specifically refers to the act of a ship being secured in its place.

What can I say instead of "docking" when referring to ships?

Alternatives to "docking" in the context of ships include "berthing", "mooring", or "tying up" depending on the specific situation.

Is "docking" only used for ships and spacecraft?

While primarily used in maritime and aerospace contexts, "docking" can also refer to the process of connecting electronic devices to a "docking station" or, informally, to a sexual act.