on the apron

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the apron" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a flat area at the end of a runway at an airport where planes can park, move off the runway, or take off. Here is an example sentence: Before take-off, the pilot slowly taxied the plane to the far end of the runway and onto the apron.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Oh, putting on the apron".

The New York Times - Magazine

The terminal has a capacity of sixty passengers per hour and one airliner on the apron.

Wikipedia

When we put on the apron, we are nurturing.

The New York Times

It is difficult to spot an empty seat on the apron.

The New York Times

During this period, a large number of service vehicles circulate on the apron.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The singers will be close to the pit, on the apron before the big set.

The New York Times - Arts

The packed crowd on the apron and in the stands erupted.

The New York Times

The current arrivals terminal is a hut on the apron of the tarmac.

The Economist

Xavier Woods stood on the apron to try and stop The Lucha Dragons from taking out Kofi Kingston.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Designs on the drawing papers were drawn on the aprons and assessments were made in accordance with the abilities and skills of the students.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Calibrated Harshaw TLD-100 and TLD-100H dosimeters were placed on the aprons of several members of staff, including an IR radiologist and a Cardiology registrar, to measure the effectiveness of the apron at multiple sites in a clinical setting.

Physica Medica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about aviation or motorsports, use "on the apron" to specifically refer to the area where aircraft or race cars maneuver and park. This adds precision and clarity to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "on the apron" when you actually mean "on the runway" or "on the tarmac". The apron is a specific area for parking and maneuvering, not for takeoffs and landings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the apron" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying a location. According to Ludwig, the phrase describes where an action occurs, such as parking, maneuvering, or waiting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the apron" is a prepositional phrase used to specify a location, typically in aviation, motorsports or theatre contexts. Ludwig AI states that it is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase providing spatial context. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources and Encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to the correct area—the maneuvering and parking space for aircraft or race cars—to avoid confusion. While synonyms exist, such as "near the runway" or "on the ramp", the specific context dictates the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the runway

Replaces 'apron' with a specific synonym in the same context

by the edge

Shortens the prepositional phrase while retaining a similar meaning of proximity to a boundary.

at the edge of

Focuses on the position at the margin or boundary of something, changing the spatial relationship.

alongside the perimeter

Emphasizes being situated next to the outer boundary, adding a sense of enclosure.

on the outskirts of

Highlights being located in the outer parts of an area, suggesting a less central position.

in the vicinity of

Indicates a general closeness without specifying a direct adjacency, broadening the scope.

adjacent to the surface

Focuses on the nearness to a particular surface

bordering the area

Emphasizes that the subject is on the edge that serves as a border

next to the platform

Specifies proximity to a raised surface or structure, changing the context slightly.

beside the stage

Specifies proximity to a raised surface or structure, changing the context slightly.

FAQs

How is "on the apron" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "on the apron" describes the location of aircraft, vehicles, or people in an airport or racetrack setting. For instance, "The plane was parked "on the apron" waiting for its passengers".

What's the difference between "on the apron" and "on the tarmac"?

"On the tarmac" generally refers to the paved area of an airport, while ""on the apron"" specifically designates the area where aircraft are parked, loaded, or unloaded.

Are there other words for "on the apron"?

While there isn't a single perfect synonym, depending on the context, you might use phrases like "near the runway", "at the edge of", or "on the ramp" when referring to an area where aircraft park.

Is "on the apron" formal or informal language?

"On the apron" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when discussing aviation or motorsports.