take the ferry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take the ferry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of using a ferry service to travel across a body of water. Example: "To reach the island, we decided to take the ferry instead of driving around the coast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They take the ferry to Fort Sumter.

The New Yorker

Take the ferry to Liberty Island.

The Guardian - Books

Take the ferry back to Manhattan.

The New York Times

City leaders are hoping that these newcomers take the ferry.

The New York Times

Take the ferry from Port Askaig to Feolin.

The Guardian - Travel

I take the ferry and people are drinking before 8am.

The Guardian

We take the ferry to lovely Church Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

Note: mosquitoes can apparently take the ferry free.

The New York Times - Arts

Caro is allowed to take the ferry by herself to town, where she buys a book.

The New Yorker

Fans from Alexandria, Va., and Georgetown can take the ferry to the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"Take the ferry to Staten Island and you go down another five.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing travel directions, use "take the ferry" to clearly indicate the mode of transport for crossing water bodies. For example, "To reach the island, take the ferry from the mainland."

Common error

Avoid using "take the ferry" when referring to metaphorical journeys or situations that don't involve actual ferry transportation. For instance, don't say "take the ferry" to describe navigating a complex project; instead, use phrases like "navigate the project" or "tackle the challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the ferry" primarily functions as an imperative or declarative statement indicating the action of using a ferry for transportation. Ludwig's examples show its common use in travel directions and descriptions. The phrase is used to instruct or inform someone about a specific mode of transport.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take the ferry" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate using a ferry for transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, travel, and formal settings. To improve your writing, remember to use it when providing clear travel directions and avoid misusing it in metaphorical contexts. Consider alternative phrases such as "ride the ferry" or "travel by ferry" for variety. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, you can effectively use the phrase "take the ferry" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch the ferry

Emphasizes the action of boarding the ferry, implying a need to arrive on time.

ride the ferry

Similar to "take the ferry", but emphasizes the experience of riding.

board the ferry

Focuses on the act of getting onto the ferry as a mode of transport.

get on the ferry

A more casual way to express entering the ferry.

hop on the ferry

Suggests a quick and informal boarding of the ferry.

travel by ferry

Highlights the ferry as the means of transportation.

use the ferry

Indicates the utilization of the ferry service for transport.

ferry over

Highlights the ferry journey across a body of water.

access by ferry

Focuses on the ferry as a method of reaching a destination.

ferry across

Implies movement from one side to another via ferry.

FAQs

How can I use "take the ferry" in a sentence?

You can use "take the ferry" to describe traveling by ferry, such as "We decided to "take the ferry" to the island instead of driving around the coast".

What are some alternatives to "take the ferry"?

Alternatives include "ride the ferry", "catch the ferry", or "travel by ferry", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "taking the ferry" instead of "take the ferry"?

Yes, "taking the ferry" is correct when used as a gerund or part of a continuous tense. For example, "Taking the ferry is a scenic way to travel" or "We are "taking the ferry" to the island tomorrow".

What's the difference between "take the ferry" and "ferry across"?

"Take the ferry" refers to the action of using a ferry for transportation, while "ferry across" emphasizes the movement from one side to another via ferry. For example, "We will "take the ferry"" to get to the island and "We will ferry across the bay".