scows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a type of flat-bottomed boat, often used for transporting goods or materials on rivers or coastal waters. Example: "The harbor was filled with scows, each loaded with cargo ready to be delivered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Of a number of small sailing scows that also were employed in the U.S. fisheries, the New Jersey garvey is one of the better known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

10 45 A.M.--Out on the choppy Canalazzo, among the vaporetti and scows and barges and the motoscafi, the black ferries, called traghetti carry their lightly swaying passengers.

The New Yorker

During the war he got the job of scow captain and has captained a number of scows since.

The New Yorker

It's after dinner, "when the blue-green lights of the scows, those slow-moving heralds of melancholy, would begin to appear in the night sky".

The New York Times - Books

Over his sailing career, Andy owned and raced a variety of boats including J boats, Scows, Lasers and Finns.

The New York Times

Scows in the sky?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I grew up around boats, raced E-scows and have crewed on race boats a few times, but mostly I like making them more than being on them".

The New York Times

Completed by June 1805, his new type of steam-engine scow, called the Orukter Amphibolos, or Amphibious Digger, was 30 feet (9 m) long by 12 feet (3.7 m) wide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fountain there, the Barcaccia ("Scow"), is fed by the Acqua Vergine, an aqueduct of 19 bce, which escaped Gothic destruction because it was mainly underground and which was repaired in 1447.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later they took words from foreign settlers: chowder and prairie from the French, scow and sleigh from the Dutch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This type of sailing scow had one leeboard held to the side by a rack or iron bar-and-staple device and was usually rigged with one or two spritsails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical or nautical contexts, use "scows" to specifically refer to flat-bottomed boats designed for carrying cargo. Ensure the context aligns with the traditional usage of these vessels in rivers, harbors, or shallow coastal waters.

Common error

Avoid using "scows" as a general term for all types of boats. "Scows" specifically refers to flat-bottomed boats designed for carrying cargo in shallow waters. Using it interchangeably with broader terms like "boats" or "vessels" may lack precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scows" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a flat-bottomed boat, often used for transporting goods. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and well-supported by numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scows" is a grammatically correct and commonly used plural noun that refers to flat-bottomed boats typically used for carrying cargo. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions about maritime history and boat types. While not overly formal, its use is appropriate in neutral registers. When writing, it's important to use "scows" specifically to refer to this type of vessel and not as a generic term for all boats.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat-bottomed boats

General term for boats with a flat bottom, similar in function to scows but less specific.

barges

Another type of flat-bottomed boat, often larger and used for transporting goods on canals and rivers.

lighters

A type of barge used to transfer goods to and from ships.

canal boats

Boats designed for use on canals, often similar in size and shape to scows.

flatboats

A simple, flat-bottomed boat used on rivers, often for one-way trips.

cargo vessels

A general term for ships that transport cargo, which may include scows.

freighters

Ships designed for carrying freight, a broader category that includes scows.

transport boats

Boats used for transportation, which can encompass scows.

maritime vessels

A general term for any vessel used on the sea, including scows.

watercraft

A general term for boats or other vehicles used on water, including scows.

FAQs

How are "scows" typically used in sentences?

"Scows" are generally used to describe flat-bottomed boats used for carrying cargo. For example, "The harbor was filled with "scows", each loaded with goods." They can also refer to specific classes of sailboats.

What can I say instead of "scows"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "barges", "flat-bottomed boats", or "lighters". The best choice depends on the specific type of vessel and its use.

Are "scows" still in use today?

While traditionally used for cargo transport, "scows" are less common in modern shipping. However, some may still be used for specific purposes in certain regions, and the term also refers to certain classes of sailboats.

What is the historical significance of "scows"?

"Scows" played a crucial role in historical cargo transport, particularly in shallow waterways where larger vessels couldn't navigate. They were essential for moving goods and materials in many coastal and riverine communities.