portage

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "portage" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of carrying a boat or its cargo overland between two bodies of water. An example: "We had to portage the canoe around the rapids." Alternative expressions include "carry overland" and "transport overland."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

On the Bure, fortunately, TheCanoeMan has worked with enlightened private landowners willing to provide crucial access to the river bank where "portage" – dragging your canoe over a field to avoid a weir or watermill, for instance – is required.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Local people enthusiastically offered to carry their gear, and on his last long portage, as a storm drenched him with "hard, warm drops" and he stood on a dangerous, unknown hill, he reflected that he might never live a better day.Some people, he blogged, thought that there was nothing more to find out or explore.

The Economist

The speed of this almighty portage was incredible: Russians reached the Pacific in 1639, 166 years before Lewis and Clark in America.Anna Reid, Kiev correspondent of the Daily Telegraph and of this newspaper from 1993-95, sets out to write a history of some of the native Siberians whom the Russians pushed aside along the way.

The Economist

He labelled the best trans-peninsular trade route (which involved dragging cargo overland between the sources of two rivers) as a "drag-way or portage".Which brings us back to reality, and the newest plan for a trans-peninsular pathway.

The Economist

Tuscarawas River, river rising in Summit county, northeastern Ohio, U.S., near Akron and Barberton (there dammed to form the Portage Lakes).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Portage, city, seat (1851) of Columbia county, south-central Wisconsin, U.S. It lies along the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, about 35 miles (55 km) north of Madison.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

IT WAS designed to hold 541 inmates, but Columbia Correctional Institute, a brick prison in Portage, Wisconsin, usually houses about 830.

The Economist

IT IS high season for a sliver of sand in Portage, Indiana.

The Economist

Muir emigrated from Scotland with his family to a farm near Portage, Wisconsin, in 1849.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Johnstown first became important as the western terminus of the Allegheny Portage Railroad (1831 34), a series of inclined planes whereby Pennsylvania Canal barges were transported piggyback on railway cars for 36 miles (58 km) over the Allegheny Mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hollidaysburg, the county seat, was the eastern terminus of the Allegheny Portage Railroad (1834 54), which transported Pennsylvania Canal barges across the Allegheny Mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical contexts, especially in North America, using "portage" adds authenticity to descriptions of early exploration and trade routes.

Common error

Avoid confusing "portage" with "porridge" or "portrait". "Portage" specifically refers to carrying boats or goods overland between bodies of water.

Linguistic Context

The term "portage" functions primarily as a noun to describe the act or route of carrying boats or goods overland between two bodies of water. It can also function as a verb, meaning to carry something in this manner. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

46%

News & Media

44%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "portage" is a term with a rich historical context, primarily referring to the act of carrying boats or goods overland between two bodies of water. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct and common in usage. It functions as both a noun and a verb, mainly in encyclopedic texts and news media. While often used in geographical or historical discussions, its application remains specific to overland transport between waterways. When writing, remember its distinct meaning to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words. Ludwig's examples confirm its established usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry-over point

A point where goods or boats must be carried over land, acting as a direct substitute for a portage point.

carry-over section

Specifically refers to the section of a journey where items must be carried over land, like a section of portage.

carrying across land

Emphasizes the physical act of carrying something over land, which is the core action in a portage.

transfer overland

Specifies the act of transferring items over land, similar to moving goods during a portage.

overland route

Highlights the path or route taken over land, often used when water routes are impassable, similar to a portage.

overland transport

Refers to the transportation of goods or people across land, similar to carrying items over a portage.

land passage

A route or path across land, which, like a portage, provides a way to travel overland.

bypass route

A route that avoids an obstacle, typically by going around it via land, analogous to a portage.

terrestrial route

Describes a path or route that is on land, as opposed to water, used as an alternative to continue a journey when water travel is impossible.

land transport

Focuses on transporting items via land routes, analogous to using a portage to bypass water obstacles.

FAQs

How is "portage" typically used in a sentence?

The term "portage" can be used as a noun to describe the act of carrying boats overland, or as a verb to describe the action itself. For example, "The explorers made a difficult portage around the rapids", or, "They had to portage their canoes for half a mile".

What is the difference between a "portage" and a canal?

A "portage" is the overland carrying of boats or goods between two bodies of water, whereas a canal is a man-made waterway constructed to connect bodies of water, allowing boats to travel without being carried. While both facilitate water travel, a portage involves physical carrying, and a canal involves continuous water passage.

What can I say instead of "portage" when describing carrying goods overland?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "overland transport", "carrying across land", or describe the route as an "overland route".

Is "portage" only used in the context of boats and water travel?

While "portage" is most commonly associated with carrying boats and goods between waterways, the concept can be extended to any situation where something is carried over land to bypass an obstacle. However, it is generally reserved for situations resembling the traditional meaning.