in cargo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in cargo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to items or goods that are being transported, typically by ship, truck, or plane. Example: "The shipment arrived yesterday, and we need to check what is in cargo before unloading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We both hate boys in cargo pants.

The New Yorker

Last year, it handled $208 billion in cargo.

The New York Times

§ 173.318 Cryogenic liquids in cargo tanks.

Cornell University

He's Mary Magdalene in cargo pants.

The New York Times - Books

§ 173.315 Compressed gases in cargo tanks and portable tanks.

Cornell University

Its helicopters can be ferried in cargo planes.

The New York Times

So what's wrong with putting pets in cargo?

The New York Times - Travel

Another went into the battle in cargo shorts.

The New York Times

The technology is also being applied in cargo shipping.

The Economist

But the tradeoff is a big gain in cargo space.

The New York Times

In subsection (b)(1)(E), the word "mail" is omitted as being included in "cargo".

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the location of goods during transportation, use "in cargo" to clearly indicate they are being transported but avoid using it when referring to live animals; consider using alternatives like "transported" or "shipped".

Common error

Avoid using "in cargo" when describing the transport of live animals, as it can sound impersonal. Instead, opt for phrases like "transported" or "shipped" to convey a more sensitive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in cargo" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating location or state during transport. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is about items or goods that are transported.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in cargo" is a common prepositional phrase used to specify that something is being transported, typically by ship, plane, or truck. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that while grammatically sound, using it for live animals may sound impersonal. Alternatives like "in transit" or "within the shipment" may also be suitable depending on the precise meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in transit

Similar meaning, but broader, referring to the general process of moving.

within the shipment

Specifies that the items are part of a larger consignment.

within the container

Highlights the physical enclosure used for transport.

aboard the vessel

Focuses on the location being on a ship or boat.

during transit

Refers to the period when goods are being transported.

part of the load

Emphasizes that the item is included in the total transported goods.

on board

Emphasizes being physically present on a mode of transport.

loaded onto

Highlights the action of placing items onto a vehicle.

under conveyance

A more formal way of saying that something is being transported.

carried by

Focuses on the carrier or mode of transportation.

FAQs

How can I use "in cargo" in a sentence?

You can use "in cargo" to describe items being transported, such as "The shipment arrived yesterday, and we need to check what is "in cargo" before unloading."

What can I say instead of "in cargo"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in transit", "within the shipment", or "aboard the vessel", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in cargo" when referring to live animals?

While technically correct, it's often better to use alternatives like "being transported" or "being shipped" to avoid sounding insensitive, especially when discussing pets or other animals.

What's the difference between ""in cargo"" and "in storage"?

"In cargo" implies active transportation, while "in storage" suggests a state of being kept or housed somewhere for a period of time.