on the harbor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the harbor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or position relative to a harbor, often in contexts related to travel, shipping, or leisure activities. Example: "We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the restaurant on the harbor, watching the boats come and go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What about the old HOV lanes, converted to FasTrak lanes, such as the ones on the Harbor Freeway south of downtown Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Times

This impressive hotel on the harbor is one of Barcelona's newest hotels and the first property operated by Ritz-Carlton in Europe.

Forbes

Kenya's growing economy desperately needs a bigger port, and Mombasa, the current one, cannot be expanded because of natural limitations on the harbor.

The New York Times

Moses, a part-owner of a boutique hotel on the harbor, told me he's had one cancellation after another all week.

Vice

Model boats are displayed here, replicas of the ones guests can rent (with a captain) and take out on the harbor.

Huffington Post

Men are walking on the harbor!

The New Yorker

Moments later, my binoculars are trained on the harbor.

The New York Times - Travel

(Even the bank looks out on the harbor).

The New York Times - Travel

Its owners hope it will be Hollywood on the harbor.

The New York Times

Stony Brook Village Green WHERE -- Main Street on the harbor.

The New York Times

Oh, there was a minority of serious fans at Fort Adams State Park, on the harbor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the harbor" to describe locations, events, or activities that are directly situated or taking place within a harbor. This is particularly useful in travel writing, historical accounts, or descriptions of maritime activities.

Common error

Avoid using "in the harbor" when "on the harbor" is more appropriate. "In the harbor" implies being submerged or located within the water itself, whereas "on the harbor" refers to the general area and activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the harbor" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate location or spatial relationship. Ludwig examples show it describes where something is situated or occurs in relation to the harbor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the harbor" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to indicate a location or activity situated in the vicinity of a harbor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in news, travel writing, and descriptive contexts. While alternatives like "at the harbor" or "by the harbor" exist, "on the harbor" is generally preferred for describing broader areas and activities. When writing, be mindful of the specific context to ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the harbor

Direct synonym; replaces "on" with "at", indicating a specific location.

by the harbor

Suggests proximity to the harbor, rather than being directly on it.

along the harbor

Implies movement or existence parallel to the harbor.

overlooking the harbor

Focuses on a view or position above the harbor.

near the harbor

Indicates a location close to the harbor.

in the harbor area

Specifies a general area associated with the harbor.

within the harbor

Suggests being contained inside the harbor's boundaries.

adjacent to the harbor

Formal way of saying 'next to' the harbor.

harborside

A single word to describe a location near the harbor.

waterfront

Refers to the area along the water's edge, similar to the harbor.

FAQs

What's the difference between "on the harbor" and "at the harbor"?

While both phrases are similar, "on the harbor" typically refers to a broader area or activities happening in the vicinity of the harbor, whereas "at the harbor" suggests a more specific point or location.

When should I use "by the harbor" instead of "on the harbor"?

Use "by the harbor" when indicating proximity rather than direct presence on the harbor itself. For instance, "a house by the harbor" suggests a location near, but not necessarily within, the harbor area.

What are some alternatives to "on the harbor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "at the waterfront", "along the coast", or "near the port" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "in the harbor" isn't necessarily incorrect, it often implies being physically inside the water of the harbor. "On the harbor" is generally preferred when referring to activities, events, or locations in the general harbor area.