port of entry

USAGE SUMMARY

"port of entry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it refers to an airport or other location where someone can enter a country. For example, "John arrived in the US at the port of entry in Los Angeles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A carbon tax at the wellhead or port of entry reduces all uses of a fuel.

The Guardian

"New London is the port of entry for the whole Mystic region," he said.

The New York Times

Edenton is a Colonial town that was a major port of entry during Colonial development.

The New York Times - Travel

Charleston was the principal port of entry for African slaves into British North America.

The New York Times - Arts

An average of five thousand new Arab immigrants make Detroit their port of entry each year.

The New Yorker

The airport has a sit-down restaurant and a customs port of entry.

The New York Times

And Atocha was no longer an exotic place, a port of entry and departure.

The New York Times - Travel

In a perfect world, every traveler at every port of entry would get similarly close scrutiny.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even with a visa, one can be turned back at any port of entry.

The New York Times - Books

Douglas used to have a modest barrier right around the port of entry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

On and off ramps for the Wyoming port-of-entry are located just within Utah.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, consider using shorter synonyms like "entry point" or "border crossing" if the context is already clear.

Common error

Avoid using "port of entry" when you mean the place where a journey begins. "Port of entry" refers specifically to the location where you enter a country, while a port of embarkation is where you start your trip.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "port of entry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a specific location where individuals or goods are permitted to enter a country.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "port of entry" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a location where people or goods are legally permitted to enter a country. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is used across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While synonyms such as "entry point" or "border crossing" can be used, it's important to distinguish it from terms like "port of departure", which refers to the starting point of a journey. This guide provides a detailed analysis of the phrase’s usage, related alternatives, and common errors to avoid, ensuring clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entry point

A more concise and commonly used alternative to "port of entry".

place of entry

A simple and direct synonym emphasizing the location where entry occurs.

border crossing

This alternative focuses specifically on land borders where entry is permitted.

point of arrival

This is a more general term that refers to any place where someone or something arrives.

customs station

This highlights the customs and immigration processes involved at an entry point.

immigration checkpoint

This term emphasizes the immigration control aspect of entering a country.

arrival terminal

Specific to airports or transportation hubs where people arrive.

international terminal

Specifically refers to terminals handling international arrivals.

access point

Focuses on the concept of gaining access or entry to a location or system.

gateway

A metaphorical term suggesting a passage or means of entry.

FAQs

What does "port of entry" mean?

A "port of entry" is a location, such as a border crossing, airport, or seaport, where one is allowed to enter a country and where customs and immigration procedures are conducted.

What are some synonyms for "port of entry"?

You can use alternatives like "entry point", "border crossing", or "point of arrival", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "port of entry" in formal writing?

Yes, "port of entry" is a formal and widely accepted term suitable for use in various contexts, including legal, business, and academic writing.

How does a "port of entry" differ from a "port of departure"?

A "port of entry" is where you enter a country, whereas a "port of departure" is where you leave a country. They are opposite ends of an international journey.