getting on a boat

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting on a boat" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in a sentence to describe an action of boarding onto a boat. For example, "After school, I like to go to the lake and enjoy getting on a boat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Getting on a boat is a difficult thing to do, and owning one is even harder.

Huffington Post

She said: "If anyone I knew was getting on a boat I would say to them don't do it.

Independent

Experienced divers said to take precautionary Dramamine an hour before getting on a boat, per the instructions.

The Washington Post

It does nothing to make getting on a boat to Australia more attractive, nor does it in any way weaken our borders (if they were ever weak).

The Guardian - Opinion

"The two key things that need to happen are (the creation of) a government in Libya and breaking the connection between getting on a boat and getting settlement in Europe.

Independent

"But we cut that, because we didn't want to have it be such an, 'Ahhh, here we go.'" [It was] him getting on a boat, maybe a boat with Newt, maybe not, and heading off out of New York".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Senator Linda Reynolds told estimates the reopening of Christmas Island served as a "very successful" deterrent because no one had gotten on a boat.

The Guardian

The government has also released ad campaigns warning no one who gets on a boat without a visa will ever make Australia home.

Vice

"Message number one, if you get on a boat, you are at risk of being transferred to Nauru or PNG.

BBC

I met one man from Iran who got on a boat at age 20 to flee political persecution and now wonders if he'll be able to study, work or leave Papua New Guinea before he's 30.

The New York Times

She travels, she gets on a boat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing travel or migration, use "getting on a boat" to convey the initial step of a journey, often implying a significant or risky undertaking.

Common error

While "getting on a boat" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "embarking" or "boarding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on a boat" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of boarding a boat, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting on a boat" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of boarding a boat. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun and is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "embarking" or "boarding" in professional writing. The phrase often implies commencing a journey or escape, as highlighted in various examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding a boat

Replaces the gerund form with a noun, emphasizing the act of boarding.

embarking on a boat

Uses a more formal verb to describe the act of starting a journey by boat.

climbing aboard a boat

Emphasizes the physical action of getting onto the boat.

stepping onto a boat

Similar to climbing aboard, but focuses on the step.

entering a boat

Focuses on the action of going inside the boat.

going on board a boat

Uses a slightly different structure to convey the same meaning.

taking a boat

A more concise way of saying to travel by boat.

hopping on a boat

Implies a quick or casual action of boarding.

catching a boat

Suggests a need to hurry or meet a schedule.

sailing away on a boat

Emphasizes the departure and journey by boat.

FAQs

How can I use "getting on a boat" in a sentence?

You can use "getting on a boat" to describe the action of boarding a boat, such as "Getting on a boat was the first step of their journey across the sea."

What are some alternatives to "getting on a boat"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "boarding a boat", "embarking on a boat", or "stepping onto a boat".

Is "getting on a boat" formal or informal?

"Getting on a boat" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using "boarding a vessel" or "embarking on a voyage".

What does "getting on a boat" imply in discussions about migration?

In discussions about migration, "getting on a boat" often implies a risky or desperate attempt to reach a new destination, often across dangerous waters.