gone sailing

USAGE SUMMARY

"gone sailing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who has departed for an adventure of sailing, or who has been participating in a leisurely activity of sailing. For example, you might say: "John has gone sailing for the weekend, so he won't be back until Sunday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Given that half the village had actually gone sailing it felt just the right side of naff.

The Guardian - Travel

Hillary Clinton had worked in the Senate with Kennedy on health care and education and the two families have gone sailing together.

The Guardian

Though one man wears a bow tie and a blazer, and the women wear long white dresses, they had probably just gone sailing, Ms. Foley said, perhaps to Fire Island.

The New York Times

Now thoroughly soaked from the sheeting rain, we wandered through the village in search of tea, past the fudge shop, several pubs, snazzy beach huts that can be rented out, and the gift shop – selling, what else? "Gone sailing" signs.

The Guardian - Travel

But Buckley prepared before the Democrats' meeting in Chicago (he'd gone sailing before Miami) and the two traded entertaining and increasingly personal blows (at one point Buckley pulls out a letter from Bobby Kennedy suggesting Vidal should be served up to the Viet Cong).

The Guardian

There are upturned boats for seats in the dining room; the stairway and landings are covered in sea charts and photos of boats and bathers; and every spare space is covered with quotes – "Work like a captain, play like a pirate!" – and "Gone sailing!" signs.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"A lot of common slang-words and phrases that entered the lexicon while I was gone — sailed straight over my head," he wrote.

BBC

I went sailing.

The New York Times - Magazine

And they went sailing through.

The New Yorker

I want to go sailing.

The New Yorker

"I go sailing!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gone sailing", consider the context to ensure it clearly communicates the intended meaning. It is best used to indicate someone has departed for sailing or is currently sailing.

Common error

Avoid using "gone sailing" to describe a future event. It typically refers to a completed action of departing for sailing or a current state of being out sailing. For future events, use "going sailing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gone sailing" functions as a participial phrase, indicating a state of being or a completed action related to the activity of sailing. Ludwig shows it is used to describe someone who has departed to sail or is currently engaged in sailing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

40%

Lifestyle

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gone sailing" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to convey that someone has either left to go sailing or is currently engaged in the activity. According to Ludwig, its usage is more frequent in travel, news and lifestyle contexts, maintaining a neutral to informal tone. While it is not exceedingly common, its purpose is clear, and it effectively communicates the idea of someone being out on a sailing trip. The phrase should be used in present or past context, avoiding future references unless rephrased.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out sailing

Implies someone is currently engaged in the activity of sailing.

went for a sail

A simpler, more casual way of saying someone went sailing.

set sail

Focuses on the action of starting a sailing journey, emphasizing departure.

sailing off

Suggests a casual and perhaps spontaneous departure for sailing.

embarked on a sailing trip

Highlights the start of a journey specifically involving sailing.

sailed away

Emphasizes the departure and distance traveled by sailing.

took to the seas

Evokes a more adventurous or dramatic departure for sailing.

left for a sailing adventure

Highlights the adventurous nature of the sailing activity.

enjoying a sailing excursion

Focuses on the pleasurable aspect of a sailing trip.

headed out on the water

A more general phrase that implies going sailing, among other water activities.

FAQs

How can I use "gone sailing" in a sentence?

You can use "gone sailing" to indicate that someone has left to sail. For instance, "He's "gone sailing" for the weekend and will be back on Sunday."

What's a more formal alternative to "gone sailing"?

A more formal alternative could be "has embarked on a sailing trip" or "has departed for a sailing excursion". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "gone sailing" instead of "went sailing"?

While both phrases are related, "gone sailing" typically implies a present state (i.e., someone is currently out sailing), whereas "went sailing" describes a past action. Context dictates which is more appropriate.

What does "gone sailing!" mean as a sign?

As a sign, "gone sailing!" indicates that the person who owns the sign is currently out sailing and will return later. It's a playful way to announce one's absence due to sailing.