sailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sailing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean the act of traveling in a boat by using the wind and/or the water's current as a means of propulsion. Example sentence: We spent the day sailing around the lake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While he was well enough the couple went sailing together, and when he was too weak for that he painted obsessively, on cardboard and brown parcel paper, an old bait box, and pieces of china.

The Guardian - Arts

On a clear, moonlight night 150 years ago, the hand-cranked Confederate submarine HL Hunley glided out over glassy seas off South Carolina, sailing into history as the first submarine ever to sink an enemy warship.

The Guardian

There is added spice to the encounter because if the Australians do win they are bound to head the medal table for sailing.

The Guardian - Sport

All Muscat's schoolchildren will be treated to two hours' sailing a week, spread over five weeks, enough to pick up the basics.

The Guardian - Sport

The island is saturated with sailing culture, from the Maltese Falcon (one of the biggest sailing yachts in the world) at anchor in Falmouth harbour and the regular regattas to the yacht crews filling the bars.

The Guardian - Travel

The shadow health secretary, Andy Burnham, said: "These figures show that hospitals all over England remain at their limits and are sailing dangerously close to the wind.

The Guardian

Together we are sailing through one of the most remote landscapes Britain has to offer, the Western Isles.

The Guardian - Travel

Sailing your own vessel gives you an enormous amount of freedom but there are also limitations - the accommodation can be cramped and you are not always in control of your own destiny.

The Guardian - Travel

The rest of the time you are free to enjoy long, languid days sailing between islands and landing your dinghy on deserted beaches.

The Guardian - Travel

And while the prospect of spending several consecutive days in close proximity to a bunch of strangers didn't immediately appeal, our status as sailing amateurs allowed for bonding as we grappled with knots and sailing terms over nightly Carib beers.

The Guardian - Travel

The Associated Press says: The reports, which quoted an unnamed military official, said the vessels were sailing to Tartus to pick up supplies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "sailing", consider the specific type of vessel and the context of the activity to provide more precise and engaging descriptions for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "sailing" interchangeably with terms like "boating" or "cruising". "Sailing" specifically implies using wind power, while the others can involve motorized vessels.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sailing" is as a gerund or present participle. As a gerund (noun form), it refers to the activity itself. As a present participle, it functions as part of a continuous verb tense, indicating an ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

25%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sailing" is a versatile word primarily used to describe the activity of traversing water in a vessel propelled by wind. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its frequency is "very common", according to the analysis, appearing often in contexts such as "News & Media", "Travel", and "Sport". Grammatically, "sailing" functions as both a gerund (noun) and a present participle (verb), adapting to various sentence structures. While the word is generally neutral, it's crucial to differentiate it from broader terms like "boating" or "cruising" to accurately convey the mode of water travel. Related phrases, like "boating" or "yachting", offer similar meanings but may imply different contexts or types of vessels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boating

Refers more generally to the activity of using a boat, not necessarily powered by wind.

yachting

Specifically involves using a yacht, implying leisure or sport.

cruising

Suggests a more relaxed and leisurely voyage.

navigating

Focuses on the skill and process of directing a vessel.

voyaging

Implies a longer journey, often across significant distances.

plying the waters

A more literary or formal way of saying traveling on water.

watercrafting

Encompasses any activity involving a craft on the water.

on a sea journey

More specific, implying a journey by sea.

seafaring

Relates to traveling by sea and working as a sailor.

traveling by sea

A simple and direct way to express movement across water.

FAQs

How is "sailing" used as a noun?

As a noun, "sailing" refers to the activity or sport of moving across water in a vessel propelled by wind. For example, "Sailing is a popular pastime in the Mediterranean".

What are some synonyms for "sailing" in the context of travelling by watercraft?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "boating", "cruising", or "yachting".

Is it correct to use "sailing" to describe any type of water travel?

While "sailing" generally refers to movement powered by wind, it's often loosely used to describe any travel by boat. However, it's more accurate to use terms like "boating" or "cruising" for motorized water travel.

What is the difference between "sailing" and "boating"?

"Sailing" specifically refers to moving a watercraft using sails and wind power. "Boating" is a more general term that includes any activity involving a boat, whether it's powered by sails, motor, or oars.