on the deck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the deck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a flat surface or platform, often in the context of a ship or outdoor area. Example: "The crew gathered on the deck to enjoy the sunset after a long day at sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fischer stood on the deck.

The New Yorker

SMOKING On the deck.

The New York Times

So he barbecued on the deck.

The New York Times

He threw the deer on the deck.

The New York Times - Magazine

Up on the deck, it was quiet.

The New York Times

Her hosts were sitting on the deck.

The Washington Post

"You can't put me on the deck".

The Guardian - Sport

So we grilled dinner on the deck.

The New York Times

STANDING on the deck of the U.S.S.

The New York Times - Travel

The 20-millimeter antiaircraft gun on the deck remained silent.

The New York Times

On the deck stood the ship's master, Fritz Hammer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or events occurring on a ship or boat, use "on the deck" to clearly indicate the location. For example, "The sailors worked diligently on the deck, preparing for departure."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "on the deck" (referring to a location) with "on deck" (meaning available or ready). For example, "All hands are needed on deck" implies readiness, not location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the deck" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. Ludwig's examples confirm its prevalent use in describing where something is situated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the deck" is a prepositional phrase used to specify a location on a ship, boat, or outdoor platform. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. The register is generally neutral. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing it with "on deck", which has a different meaning. Remember that "on the deck" provides a clear sense of location, enhancing descriptions and narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon the deck

Formal variation, using 'upon' instead of 'on'.

on the ship's deck

Specifies that the deck belongs to a ship.

on the boat's deck

Specifies that the deck belongs to a boat.

atop the deck

Implies being directly on top of the deck surface.

at the deck

Slightly less common, but still indicates a location.

out on the deck

Indicates movement to or presence on the deck, often for recreational purposes.

onboard the deck

Emphasizes being on the ship's deck.

on the veranda

Refers to a similar structure on a building.

on the patio

Another similar structure, usually at ground level.

on the surface

More general, but could apply depending on context.

FAQs

How can I use "on the deck" in a sentence?

You can use "on the deck" to describe a location on a ship, boat, or a patio. For example, "We enjoyed the sunset "on the deck" of the cruise ship."

What are some alternatives to "on the deck"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "upon the deck", "at the deck", or "out on the deck".

Is it correct to say "in the deck" instead of "on the deck"?

No, it is not correct. "On the deck" indicates a position on the surface of the deck, while "in the deck" would imply being inside the structure of the deck itself, which is rarely the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "on the deck" and "on deck"?

"On the deck" refers to a specific location on a ship or patio, whereas "on deck" often means "available" or "ready for duty". For example, "The captain ordered all available sailors "on deck"."