going by car

USAGE SUMMARY

"going by car" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used when discussing one's mode of transportation or when discussing a planned route: "We're going by car to my aunt's house for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Are they all going by car?

The Guardian - Opinion

You suggest going by car from Trondheim to Brønnøysund.

The Guardian - Travel

Often it is faster and easier than going by car and definitely more enjoyable.

The New York Times - Travel

"I always loved to escape somewhere, and I liked going by car," he continued, "but trains were stranger, more magical".

The New York Times

It was a wonderful trip, and happily, I got all the benefits of going by car without having to drive.

The New York Times - Travel

"It looks like the overall number of travelers will decrease, but a greater percentage will be going by car," said Mantill Williams, a spokesman for the AAA.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's not brushy painting with hyperrealism and cars going by fast.

The New York Times

"Then why not go by car?

The Guardian - Travel

We decided to go by car and driver.

The New York Times

The next night I went by car to a party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Almost none of them, though, go by car.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing transportation options, clearly state the alternative to "going by car", such as "going by train" or "going by bus".

Common error

Avoid using "going by car" when the focus is solely on the action of operating the vehicle. Use "driving" instead. For example, say "I am driving to the store" not "I am going by car to the store" if the mode of transport is already clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going by car" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the means of transportation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going by car" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe traveling via automobile. It's versatile, fitting into neutral and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying alternatives when comparing travel options. Avoid overuse when the focus is solely on the action of driving. Alternatives like "driving to" or "taking the car" can sometimes be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. The phrase is widely used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the car

Emphasizes the act of choosing the car as a means of transport.

traveling by automobile

Replaces "car" with "automobile", adding a slightly more formal tone.

driving to

Focuses on the action of driving rather than the mode of transport.

making a trip by car

Highlights the journey aspect of traveling by car.

motoring to

Uses "motoring" which is a slightly more old-fashioned term for driving.

car transportation

A more general and less personal way of describing travel by car.

commuting by car

Specifically refers to traveling to work or school by car.

using a car for transport

More descriptive and less concise than "going by car".

journeying by vehicle

Replaces "car" with "vehicle" making it a more generic statement.

transporting oneself by car

A formal and somewhat redundant way of saying "going by car".

FAQs

How can I use "going by car" in a sentence?

You can use "going by car" to describe your mode of transportation when traveling to a destination. For example, "We are "going by car" to the beach this weekend."

What are some alternatives to "going by car"?

Some alternatives include "driving to", "taking the car", or "traveling by automobile", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "going by a car" instead of "going by car"?

No, the correct phrase is "going by car". The article "a" is not needed because you are referring to car as a general mode of transportation, not a specific vehicle.

What is the difference between "going by car" and "driving"?

"Going by car" specifies the mode of transport. "Driving" emphasizes the action of operating the vehicle. You "go by car" if someone else drives. You are only "driving" if you are the operator.