sailed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sailed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of arriving or entering a place, often in a dramatic or notable manner, typically associated with boats or ships. Example: "The ship sailed in at dawn, its silhouette framed against the rising sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Check out the captivating Welikia Project, which envisions the region as it appeared in 1609, when Henry Hudson sailed in".

Vice

It was based on the flag of the Dutch East India Company (EIC), for which Hudson sailed in 1609.

Wikipedia

He sailed in 1802.

The New Yorker

Once in winter I, too, sailed in.

The New Yorker

That hasn't happened since Henry Hudson sailed in.

The New Yorker

"This ship has sailed in New York," he said.

The New York Times

He sailed in 1941, eventually returning to Havana.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Obliged to leave England, he sailed in 1610 to Rotterdam.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Max sailed in and out of days and nights.

The New Yorker

His second expedition, the Terra Nova, sailed in June 1910.

The Guardian

Indeed, for years, thousands may have sailed in undetected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sailed in" to vividly describe the arrival of a vessel or to metaphorically describe someone entering a situation with confidence and ease.

Common error

Avoid using "sailed in" in contexts where it doesn't logically fit or where it sounds overly dramatic. For example, saying "He sailed in for the interview" might sound odd; "He arrived for the interview" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sailed in" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'sailed' with the preposition 'in'. It describes the action of entering a place or situation, often implying a smooth or confident arrival, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sailed in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of arriving, either literally by ship or metaphorically with ease and confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be used across various contexts, though metaphorical applications are more common in informal settings. When considering its use, bear in mind it can be replaced by alternatives such as "arrived", "entered", or "swept in" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. While versatile and common, avoid overusing it in contexts where a more direct term like "arrived" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrived

Focuses on the simple act of reaching a destination, lacking the implication of a journey or mode of transport.

entered

Emphasizes the act of going into a place, without specifying the method of arrival.

came into

Similar to 'entered' but implies a more casual or less formal arrival.

made its way into

Suggests a deliberate or challenging journey to reach the destination.

gained access to

Highlights the attainment of entry, often implying a barrier or obstacle was overcome.

steamed into

Specifically indicates arrival by a steam-powered vessel, adding a historical or technological detail.

cruised into

Suggests a relaxed or effortless arrival, often associated with leisure or luxury.

floated into

Implies a gentle and perhaps unintentional drift into a location.

drifted into

Suggests a passive or unintentional entry, lacking a clear direction or purpose.

swept into

Implies a rapid and impactful arrival, often associated with force or influence.

FAQs

What does "sailed in" mean?

"Sailed in" typically describes the arrival of a ship or boat, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone entering a situation with ease or confidence.

When is it appropriate to use "sailed in" metaphorically?

Use "sailed in" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the effortless or confident nature of someone's arrival or entry into a situation. For example, "She "sailed into" the meeting and took charge".

What are some alternatives to "sailed in"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "arrived", "entered", "swept in", or "glided in".

Is "sailed in" formal or informal?

"Sailed in" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its metaphorical use is more common in informal settings. Consider your audience and the overall tone when choosing this phrase.