drifting barge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifting barge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a barge that is being carried along by water currents without any propulsion or control. Example: "The drifting barge floated aimlessly down the river, its cargo swaying gently with the movement of the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Given enough time, EGRIP, like some drifting barge, will also reach the Fram and topple in.

The New Yorker

While Lunch Line does a tremendous job explaining the mind-numbing complexities of the USDA's sorted relationship with the School Lunch Program, the good news is that we don't need to wait for a drifting barge to self-correct -- parents and principals can make dramatic improvements, right now, for free.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She shortened right up to 5-2, buthehe moment she did, she started drifting like a barge," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

In the rippling heat, hundreds of terns swept up on white wings, drifting over a barge chugging against the muddy current.

The New York Times

You hardly ever see anyone interviewed there but why not bring in an owner whose horse is drifting like a barge and talk to him next to the board where his horse is drifting?

The Guardian - Sport

At first, my quest threw up a blizzard of troupes, including Dog Kennel Hill, a group making esoteric, site-specific pieces whose latest work will be performed on a barge drifting along UK waterways.

The Guardian

Barges drifting along the river offer an endlessly shifting vista.

The New York Times

Here, above the chalk, is where the Nellie, a cruising yawl, swung to her anchor, waiting for the tide to turn, while the tanned sails of the barges drifting up with the tide seemed to stand still in red clusters of canvas sharply peaked, with gleams of varnished sprits.

The New Yorker

She starts imagining that she and her new friends all live on a "drifting, opulent barge".

The New Yorker

The Coast Guard rescued the six-member crew of the tug, but both tug and barge drifted toward the Rhode Island shore.

The New York Times

As the ore-laden barges drifted near, they were drawn away from the Mississippi, sucked into the structure by the power of the Atchafalaya.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifting barge" to describe situations or entities that lack direction or purpose, such as "a drifting barge of outdated ideas".

Common error

Avoid using "drifting barge" when the barge is intentionally being moved by a tugboat or other means. The term implies a lack of control or propulsion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting barge" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "drifting" specifies the state or condition of the barge, indicating its movement without active propulsion. Ludwig confirms the standard grammatical nature of this construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drifting barge" correctly describes a barge moving passively without propulsion. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound phrase, although relatively rare in its occurrence. Its primary function is descriptive, often employed in news media to depict situations of vulnerability or lack of control. While alternatives like "barge adrift" exist, "drifting barge" remains a clear and effective way to convey this specific image. The phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Barge adrift

This emphasizes the state of being without control and direction.

Floating barge

Focuses on the barge's state of flotation and lack of fixed position.

Uncontrolled barge

Highlights the absence of control over the barge's movement.

Barge set adrift

Implies a deliberate or accidental release, leading to the barge's uncontrolled movement.

Barge in motion

Emphasizes the movement of the barge, although it doesn't explicitly imply a lack of control.

Wandering barge

Suggests aimless movement and a lack of a specific destination.

Roving barge

Similar to "wandering barge", but might imply a more extensive or unpredictable journey.

Freely moving barge

Highlights the unrestricted nature of the barge's movement.

Barge without power

Specifies that the reason for drifting is a lack of engine power, or other means of propulsion.

Current-borne barge

This phrase highlights that the barge is carried by the water current.

FAQs

How can I describe the motion of a barge that's not under power?

You can use the phrase "drifting barge" to describe a barge that is moving without propulsion. Alternatives include "barge adrift" or "floating barge".

What does it mean when a barge is described as "drifting"?

When a barge is "drifting", it means it is being carried along by the current or wind without any means of self-propulsion or control. It implies a lack of direction or agency.

Is it correct to say "drifting barge"?

Yes, "drifting barge" is a correct and understandable phrase. It is used to describe a barge that is moving passively due to external forces like wind or water current.

When should I use "drifting barge" instead of "moving barge"?

Use "drifting barge" when you want to emphasize the lack of control or propulsion, indicating that the barge is moving passively. Use "moving barge" when simply describing that the barge is in motion, regardless of the cause.