raft

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'raft' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun and can refer to a flat, buoyant structure made of wood or other materials, used as a means of transport on water. Example: We were stranded on a deserted island and had to build a raft to escape.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Sport

Lifestyle

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After an exhilarating five minutes, we climbed back onto the raft for another two hours of excitement.

The Guardian - Travel

After pushing through a raft of economic reforms early in his presidency, Peña Nieto's party has been battered by allegations of corruption and for failing to bring drug violence under control.

The Guardian

Those calling for a stay include former US president Jimmy Carter, the Council of Europe, the president of the American Bar Association, a group of mental disability experts, a group of law professors and a raft of human rights groups.

The Guardian

Among those attending cabinet for the first time are a raft of female and younger ministers, including Amber Rudd, the new energy secretary, Priti Patel, the employment minister, and Anna Soubry, the small business minister.

The Guardian

Belgian owner Roland Duchâtelet has regrouped again this summer, hiring compatriot Bob Peeters and overseeing a raft of transfer activity that, for now, makes the Addicks one of this season's least predictable quantities.

The Guardian - Sport

Over nine days, you'll kayak through mangroves, camp in style at Corcovado with the sea at your feet and your head in the forest, white-water raft down the Reventazon river and hike through the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

The Guardian - Travel

One of the most popular crossings remains Anzalduas Park, in Mission, Texas, a favourite weekend barbecue spot for local families where the Rio Grande curves and narrows – and crossing on a raft or boat takes a matter of seconds.

The Guardian

Close allies of Cameron and the chancellor, George Osborne, have taken charge of the most important cabinet committees that take cross-government decisions, plus most of a new raft of "implementation taskforces" charged with forcing through government plans.

The Guardian

The government answer will be that it opened a raft of university technical colleges – schools for 14- to 19-year-olds that combine highly specialised vocational training with academic qualifications.

The Guardian

At their Harrogate Spring conference, the Liberal Democrats recognised this by adopting a raft of policies aimed at restoring confidence in these.

The Guardian - Opinion

But after many months and much public money, the Tomlinson committee, which proposed a raft of proposals to change the system, had nothing to say about the fraudulent marking: that had not even been part of its remit, so the injustice suffered by successful candidates was never put right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raft" to describe a number of items, ensure the context clearly implies a large, often overwhelming, quantity. For example: "a raft of new regulations".

Common error

Avoid using "raft" to refer to a single item or a small, manageable number. "Raft" implies a substantial quantity or a group.

Linguistic Context

The noun "raft" functions as a countable noun denoting a flat floating structure used for transport, or, less literally, a large quantity of something. Ludwig examples illustrate both literal (floating on a "raft") and figurative usage (a "raft" of policies).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Travel

11%

Opinion

9%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raft" is a versatile noun that Ludwig AI confirms as grammatically correct for use in both literal and figurative senses. It primarily denotes a flat floating structure or, more abstractly, a large quantity. As highlighted by Ludwig's examples, "raft" appears most frequently in News & Media. When writing, be aware of the implied sense of a large quantity or grouping, as misusing it in singular contexts could reduce clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makeshift raft

Highlights the improvised nature of some rafts, often built from readily available materials.

flotation device

This alternative emphasizes the function of the raft as something that provides buoyancy.

inflatable boat

This alternative specifies a particular type of raft that is inflated with air.

floating platform

This emphasizes the structure as a level surface that floats.

floating structure

This alternative emphasizes the structure's ability to float, a primary characteristic of a raft.

pontoon

This alternative refers to a flat-bottomed structure used for support or flotation, similar to a raft.

makeshift vessel

This suggests a raft that is created from available materials, often in an emergency.

collection of logs

Refers specifically to a raft constructed from logs.

a large number

In some contexts, "raft" can refer to a large quantity of something; this alternative conveys that meaning.

great quantity

Similar to 'a large number', this refers to the use of 'raft' to mean a significant amount.

FAQs

How is "raft" used to describe a group of animals?

When referring to animals, "raft" typically describes a large group of seabirds or sea mammals gathered together. For example, a "flock of seabirds" or a "group of seals" might be called a raft.

Can I use "raft" to describe a small number of items?

No, "raft" generally implies a large quantity or number. It's better to use words like "few", "several", or "some" when referring to a smaller amount.

What is the difference between a "raft" and a "boat"?

A "raft" is typically a flat structure used for floating, often made of logs or inflatable material and is propelled by oars or the current. A "boat" is a more structured and complex vessel designed for navigation and propulsion.

What can I say instead of "a raft of" when referring to a large amount?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "multitude of", "plethora of", or "great number of".