ferry boat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ferry boat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a boat or vessel specifically designed to carry passengers, vehicles, or goods across a body of water. Example: "We took the ferry boat across the river to reach the island."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a converted ferry boat.

The Guardian - Travel

There is also free transportation between Pier 40 and Pier 84: by ferry boat, of course.

The New York Times - Arts

Dry Tortugas is reached by ferry, boat or seaplane from Key West.

The Guardian - Travel

Cargo ships and a ferry boat glide across a glassy river; cows lap at the banks.

The New York Times - Arts

Describes how the captain, who was a businessman, became a ferry boat operator.

The New Yorker

A South Korean ferry boat unloaded passengers and cargo, largely in transit for China.

The New York Times

Description of a trip in a Greek ferry boat from Itea (near Delphi) across the Gulf of Corinth to Patras.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The sky became bright all of a sudden," said Klaus Barinka, 42, a ferry-boat captain on the lake.

The New York Times

She rode out the furore that followed the 2014 Sewol ferry-boat disaster, and the ruling Saenuri Party consolidated its legislative majority in subsequent elections.

The Economist

Now they are negotiating with a ferry-boat owner on the East End to build two bus-style Pontiphians to shuttle passengers between the North and South Forks.

The New York Times

Many have scant background in fashion, such as ferry-boat honcho Tall or Richard Fisher, the former chairman of Morgan Stanley, who is reportedly backing Roberto Menichetti, head designer at LVMH's Celine, in his own signature line.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific type of "ferry boat", consider adding adjectives to clarify its purpose, such as "passenger ferry" or "car ferry".

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "ferry boat vessel" as "boat" and "vessel" are largely synonymous in this context; choose the term that best fits the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ferry boat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of watercraft used for transporting passengers and/or vehicles across a body of water. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the term is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ferry boat" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a boat that transports passengers, vehicles, or goods across water. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, demonstrates its versatility. When using the term, it's beneficial to consider specifying the type of ferry, such as "passenger ferry" or "car ferry", for clarity. Avoid redundant phrases like "ferry boat vessel", and note that "ferryboat" is an acceptable alternative spelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ferry vessel

Replaces "boat" with "vessel", a more formal term for a ship or boat.

Passenger ferry

Emphasizes that the ferry is used for transporting passengers.

Car ferry

Specifies that the ferry is used for transporting cars.

Shuttle ferry

Highlights the ferry's function as a shuttle service.

Water taxi

Suggests a smaller, more informal ferry service.

Channel ferry

Specifies a ferry operating across a channel of water.

Ferry service

Refers to the operation of a ferry, rather than the vessel itself.

Marine shuttle

Uses a more general term for a boat that transports people regularly.

Boat shuttle

Similar to marine shuttle, but less formal.

Transport ferry

Highlights the ferry's role in transportation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "ferry boat"?

You can use alternatives like "ferry vessel", "passenger ferry", or "shuttle ferry" depending on the context.

What is the difference between a "ferry boat" and a "water taxi"?

While both transport people across water, a "ferry boat" typically follows a fixed schedule and route, while a "water taxi" is usually smaller and provides a more personalized, on-demand service.

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

You can say, "We took the "ferry boat" to the island" or "The "ferry boat" provides regular service between the mainland and the island."

Which is correct, "ferry boat" or "ferryboat"?

"Ferry boat" is more commonly used as two separate words. "Ferryboat" is an acceptable alternative and is considered an alternative form of the expression.