passenger plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passenger plane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an aircraft designed primarily for transporting passengers rather than cargo or military purposes. Example: "The new passenger plane model has improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A passenger plane going off course?

The New Yorker

A Malaysian passenger plane was shot down over Donetsk.

The New Yorker

According to Joustra, the passenger plane broke up mid-air.

The Guardian

The powder is the atomised body of a passenger plane.

The Guardian - Arts

According to Joustra, the passenger plane broke up midair.

The Guardian

It is the most deluxe passenger plane in existence.

The New Yorker

This became the fashionable Paris-London planenger plane.

The New Yorker

So, compared with the US, a passenger plane is a socialist utopia.

The Economist

"World's largest passenger plane may be unsafe," CNet reported on its Web site.

The New York Times

As in the US case, Ebola arrived in Nigeria by passenger plane.

Independent

A passenger plane has burst into flames at Florida's Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about air disasters or safety concerns, use the phrase "passenger plane" to clearly indicate that the aircraft's primary purpose is to transport people.

Common error

Don't use "plane" alone when the context requires specifying that it's a commercial flight carrying passengers; using "passenger plane" provides necessary clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passenger plane" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of aircraft designed for civilian transportation, which aligns with the definition that Ludwig AI provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passenger plane" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an aircraft designed for transporting passengers. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC. Its neutral register and high frequency make it suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "commercial airliner" exist, "passenger plane" remains a clear and widely understood term for this mode of transportation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commercial airliner

Refers specifically to a large airplane used for commercial passenger transport.

airliner

A more general term for a passenger-carrying airplane.

commercial jet

Highlights the jet propulsion aspect of a passenger plane used for commercial purposes.

jet plane

Focuses on the type of aircraft (jet) used for passenger transport.

aircraft

A broad term encompassing any vehicle that can fly, including passenger planes.

airplane

A general term for a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.

flying machine

An informal term for any device capable of flight.

air transport

Emphasizes the function of transporting via air, rather than the vehicle itself.

aviation vehicle

A more formal and technical term for a vehicle used in aviation.

winged transport

Highlights the presence of wings as the primary means of lift and conveyance.

FAQs

How to use "passenger plane" in a sentence?

You can use "passenger plane" to describe incidents, designs, or regulations related to aircraft carrying people. For example: "The new "passenger plane" boasts improved fuel efficiency".

What can I say instead of "passenger plane"?

Alternatives include "commercial airliner", "commercial jet", or simply "airliner", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "passenger plane" or "airplane"?

"Airplane" is a general term for any aircraft, while ""passenger plane"" specifies that the airplane is designed to carry passengers. The correct choice depends on the level of specificity needed.

What's the difference between "passenger plane" and "cargo plane"?

A ""passenger plane"" is designed to transport people, while a "cargo plane" is designed to transport goods and materials.