harbour

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "harbour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a noun, and most commonly it is used to refer to a sheltered area of water, where ships can anchor. Example sentence: The quaint little harbour was home to a variety of boats, from fishing vessels to small yachts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not a long contract, just six weeks, and I imagined I, too, might be able to serve out my time in office before anyone noticed my shortcomings, and my failure to harbour any cohesive hermetic vision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prices start at AUS$42 £21.500) for a night in a six-bed share or AUS$159 £811) for a double or twin room with harbour views.

The Guardian - Travel

But traffic has declined since the 1980s, especially after the construction of a new port across the harbour.

The Guardian

What to do The heart and soul of the town is the Royal harbour complete with obelisk, Georgian lighthouse, lifeboat station and yacht marina.

The Guardian - Travel

He took us to a musical instrument shop, past the great tourist sites and guided us to safe harbour back at the hotel bar.

The Guardian - Music

Sydney is proving something of a romantic city for the pair; during last year's tournament Wozniacki and McIlroy went for a trip to the top of Sydney Tower, together enjoying the magnificent views over the harbour.

The Guardian - Sport

Ushuaia is bigger and geared up for tourists; the mountain backdrop is spectacular, they say, although the morning we woke to leave the ship, it was hidden by clouds that had descended almost to the rooftops, while high winds and rain were lashing the harbour.

The Guardian - Travel

The city's fireworks were beamed to one billion people worldwide while a million lined the harbour, according to the council, for one of the most expensive and spectacular events in Sydney's calendar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the dead centre of the city is the Jardin de l'horloge, a compact garden terrace that looks out directly on to the harbour, and where the monument to the French dead who gave their lives for "Algérie Française" has been covered up.

The Guardian

As you get nearer to the harbour, the traffic noise of the city fades, slowly displaced by the sound of water lapping gently against the quay.

The Guardian

Greater oversight of the ports is also essential: smugglers are able to leave harbour in boats that have had their names scrubbed out – a practice that is illegal, and wouldn't be possible if coastguards were doing – or were able to do – their jobs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use "harbour" to evoke a sense of safety, activity, and maritime connection. For example, 'The town's identity is closely tied to its bustling harbour.'

Common error

Remember that "harbour" is the British English spelling, while "harbor" is the American English spelling. Choose the spelling appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "harbour" is as a noun, referring to a protected area of water for vessels. It also functions as a verb, meaning to shelter or conceal something. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating these functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Travel

26%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Opinion

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harbour" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a sheltered body of water, while as a verb, it signifies sheltering or holding something. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Travel contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Remember to choose the appropriate spelling ("harbour" for British English, "harbor" for American English) based on your target audience. Alternative phrases include "port", "haven", and "shelter" when used as a noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

haven

Emphasizes the aspect of a safe and peaceful place, akin to the protective nature of a "harbour".

shelter

Focuses on providing protection from the elements or danger, similar to one function of a "harbour".

seaport

Specifies that the "harbour" is located by the sea, clarifying its geographical context.

port

Highlights the commercial aspect of a "harbour", referring to a place for ships to load and unload.

marina

Refers to a "harbour" specifically designed for yachts and small boats.

shield

Stresses the protective function, acting as a barrier against harm, which a "harbour" provides against the sea.

accommodate

Focuses on providing space and facilities, similar to a "harbour" providing space for ships.

entertain

When used as a verb, it shares the meaning of "harbour" as to hold or nourish (a thought or feeling).

nurse

Relates to fostering or nurturing, similar to "harbour" in the sense of holding something carefully.

hold

In the context of thoughts or feelings, it represents the action of keeping or maintaining, mirroring the 'harbouring' of ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "harbour" in a sentence?

"Harbour" can be used as a noun to refer to a sheltered body of water for ships, or as a verb to mean sheltering or holding something. For example: 'The ships sought refuge in the harbour' or 'He tends to harbour resentment'.

What words can I use instead of "harbour"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "port", "haven", "shelter", or "entertain" to replace "harbour".

What's the difference between "harbour" and "harbor"?

"Harbour" and "harbor" are the same word, but "harbour" is used in British English, while "harbor" is used in American English. The spelling you choose should depend on your target audience.

Is it correct to say someone "harbours" a feeling?

Yes, it is correct. The verb "harbour" can mean to keep secret a thought or feeling, typically a negative one. For example, 'She harbours a deep dislike for her neighbor'.