foreign ship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreign ship" can be used in written English.
Depending on the context, it can be used to describe a ship that is not from the same country or region as the speaker. For example, "I saw a large, foreign ship in the harbor today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"A number of foreign ship owners have numerous ships visiting Australia every month," his submission says.

The Guardian

The cohong merchants had to guarantee every foreign ship coming into the harbour and take full responsibility for all persons connected with the ship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ship, the guided missile frigate Halyburton, was the first foreign ship to take part in the annual rite, known as the Constable's Dues.

The New York Times

Since the financial downturn, officials in China have persuaded banks to offer more loans to domestic and foreign ship buyers, according to Maria Bertzeletou, an analyst at the shipbroker Golden Destiny.

The New York Times

"If a foreign ship -- name the country -- came into San Diego this afternoon, established perimeters, put boats out, put armed guards on and started telling people, 'No, you can't go here,' how long would we tolerate that?" he asked.

The New York Times

The navy's top officials insisted immediately after the accident that the boat almost certainly had hit a World War II-era mine or a foreign ship, most likely a NATO submarine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Antwerp's surrender incited the still resisting northern provinces to close the Schelde River to foreign shipping.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Swedish merchant fleet has been drastically reduced by competition from foreign ships charging lower rates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foreign ships had begun to leave the port that morning.

The New Yorker

By the end of tonight all the foreign ships will be back.

The New Yorker

In the mid-19th century foreign ships began to call there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or regulatory contexts, specify the relevant jurisdiction or treaty governing "foreign ships" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign ship" without considering the audience's perspective. What's "foreign" depends on the location and context. Be specific if needed: "a Liberian-flagged ship entering US waters" is clearer than simply "a foreign ship".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign ship" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "foreign" modifies the noun "ship". It identifies a ship based on its national origin or registration, differentiating it from ships of domestic origin. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used and accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

32%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "foreign ship" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a ship that is not from the same country or region as the speaker or the context being discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various domains, including News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki. While the phrase itself is neutral, its formality can shift depending on the surrounding context. To ensure clear communication, particularly in legal or technical settings, specify the governing jurisdiction or relevant details about the ship's origin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ship from another country

More explicitly states the ship's origin, removing any potential ambiguity.

international vessel

Replaces "ship" with "vessel", implying a broader category of watercraft engaged in international activities.

overseas ship

Substitutes "foreign" with "overseas", emphasizing the ship's origin from across the sea.

non-domestic ship

Uses "non-domestic" instead of "foreign", highlighting the ship's lack of connection to the home country.

non-national ship

Uses "non-national" as opposite to national ship

alien vessel

Employs "alien" as a synonym for "foreign", conveying a sense of unfamiliarity or otherness.

international shipping vessel

Specifies the ship as being used for international shipping purposes.

imported ship

Focuses on the ship's entry into a country from another nation, suggesting a trade or acquisition context.

vessel of foreign registry

Specifies the ship's registration under a foreign country's laws.

ship under a foreign flag

Highlights the ship's nationality as indicated by its flag.

FAQs

How can I use "foreign ship" in a sentence?

You can use "foreign ship" to describe vessels not registered or owned in a particular country. For instance, "The port authorities inspected the "foreign ship" for contraband."

What is the difference between a "foreign ship" and an "international vessel"?

While both terms relate to ships operating across national borders, "foreign ship" emphasizes the vessel's origin or registration in a different country, whereas "international vessel" focuses more on its involvement in international trade or activities.

Which is correct, "foreign ship" or "foreign vessel"?

Both ""foreign ship"" and "foreign vessel" are correct and can be used interchangeably. "Vessel" is a more formal term for any type of watercraft, including ships.

What regulations apply to "foreign ships" entering a country's waters?

Regulations vary by country, but generally, "foreign ships" must comply with international maritime law, report their arrival, undergo inspections, and adhere to local environmental and safety regulations. The specific requirements depend on the type of vessel and its cargo.