shipping convoy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shipping convoy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of ships or vehicles transporting goods together, often for safety or efficiency. Example: "The shipping convoy set sail at dawn, ensuring that all cargo would arrive safely at its destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On Nov. 26 the first Allied shipping convoy sailed through the Scheldt Estuary to the Antwerp docks.

Forbes

On 4 October 1943, Smith took off from Idku at dawn in a Hurricane Mk IIC to escort a shipping convoy.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Security in Mogadishu and elsewhere depends on the AU's troops more than on Somalia's own forces.Somali pirates, whose oceanic depredations deter investment and trade on dry land, have been much less successful in the past year, thanks mainly to more effective protection of shipping convoys.

The Economist

The structures formed part of the Fixed Defences, and protected the Atlantic shipping convoys between Cardiff, Barry, and Flat Holm.

Wikipedia

This port was ideally positioned to disrupt the merchant shipping convoys that passed through the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay en route to Britain from all over the world, and it was therefore imperative that the French fleet was not permitted to put to sea without being challenged.

Wikipedia

Amid reports of a nine-ship convoy from Iran was in the area, Washington said it was monitoring Iranian vessels suspected of carrying weapons to the rebels in violation of a UN embargo.

The Guardian

The three-ship convoy assigned to the new task will stalk the satellite's orbital path across the northern Pacific, tracking the satellite as it circles the globe 16 times a day.

The New York Times

This ship convoy is not about freedom and not about aid.

Forbes

On 27 May Alster sailed for the United Kingdom in a five-ship convoy which included the crippled HMS Eskimo.

Wikipedia

Stayed 2 weeks in area, then after loading new troops (may have been British Marines) got underway in large, 30 ship, convoy.

Wikipedia

Owing to the delay, the ten-ship convoy that they were sent to attack had departed two hours earlier, but there were still plenty of targets.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical events involving "shipping convoys", specify the era or conflict to provide context, such as "World War II shipping convoys".

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences where the "shipping convoy" is acted upon without specifying the actor. For example, instead of "The shipping convoy was attacked", use "Enemy submarines attacked the shipping convoy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shipping convoy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific type of group or unit, specifically a protected group of transport ships. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples in diverse real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shipping convoy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a group of ships travelling together, primarily for protection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides real-world examples spanning from historical wartime operations to modern-day anti-piracy efforts. While "shipping convoy" is versatile, context is key: specify time periods or types of goods when relevant. Consider alternatives such as "maritime convoy" or "cargo fleet" to diversify your language while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maritime convoy

Replaces "shipping" with "maritime", emphasizing the sea-related aspect.

vessel convoy

Substitutes "shipping" with "vessel", focusing on the type of craft involved.

ship convoy

Shortened version using "ship" instead of "shipping", maintaining the core meaning.

cargo fleet

Focuses on the "cargo" aspect of shipping and uses the word "fleet".

transport convoy

Replaces "shipping" with "transport", highlighting the movement aspect.

maritime transport column

Changes "convoy" to "column", specifying the type of transport.

naval fleet

Replaces shipping convoy with a term that refers to ships, under naval authority.

protected shipping

Emphasizes the security aspect of shipping activity.

merchant shipping

Focuses on the commercial aspect of the shipping activity.

naval escort group

Changes "convoy" and focus more on the military aspect of protecting the ships.

FAQs

What is a "shipping convoy"?

A "shipping convoy" is a group of merchant ships sailing together for mutual protection, typically escorted by naval vessels. This practice aims to safeguard against threats such as submarines or pirates.

What is the purpose of a "shipping convoy"?

The primary purpose of a "shipping convoy" is to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods by sea, minimizing the risk of attack or disruption. They were particularly vital during wartime to protect essential supplies.

What are some alternatives to "shipping convoy"?

You can use alternatives such as "maritime convoy", "vessel convoy", or "cargo fleet" depending on the context.

How did "shipping convoys" help during World War II?

"Shipping convoys" were essential for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies across the Atlantic, facing constant threats from German U-boats. They significantly reduced losses compared to ships traveling alone.