the shore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the shore" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the land along the edge of a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, or lake. Example: "We spent the afternoon walking along the shore, collecting seashells and enjoying the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waves lap at the shore.

The New York Times

The shore along the Sound.

The New Yorker

Coral reefs fringe the shore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— the shore has become enchanting.

The New York Times - Travel

We sat by the shore.

The New Yorker

I couldn't see the shore.

The New York Times

Now, nature is reclaiming the shore.

Independent

But, finally, the boats approach the shore.

The New Yorker

The Trojan ships burning on the shore.

The New Yorker

"Going to the Shore," said others.

The New Yorker

He had a piece of the shore.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a specific location near a body of water, consider if "the shore" accurately conveys the intended meaning compared to more specific terms like "beach", "coast", or "riverbank".

Common error

Avoid using "the shore" when a more precise term such as "beach" or "coastline" would provide a clearer and more accurate description of the location.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "the shore" is as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used. For example, "Waves lap at "the shore"." or "I couldn't see "the shore"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the shore" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to the land bordering a body of water. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. Its primary function is descriptive and locative, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While sources are authoritative, more precise terms may sometimes be preferable to improve clarity. The related phrases and writing guidance offer further insights into effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the water's edge

Focuses on the immediate boundary where the water meets the land, often emphasizing the dynamic interaction between the two.

the coastline

Refers specifically to the outline of a coast, emphasizing the shape and boundary of the land meeting the sea.

the beach

Focuses on the sandy or pebbly area bordering a body of water, emphasizing recreational use and physical characteristics.

the waterfront

Highlights the developed area along a body of water, often including buildings, docks, and promenades.

the coast

A general term for the land bordering a sea or ocean, encompassing a broader geographic area than "the shore".

the seaside

Emphasizes the resort or recreational aspects of being near the sea.

the riverbank

Specifically refers to the land alongside a river, providing a more limited context than "the shore".

the lakeside

Specifically refers to the land alongside a lake, providing a more limited context than "the shore".

the margin of the sea

A more poetic or literary way to describe "the shore", highlighting the boundary between land and sea.

the littoral zone

A scientific term for the area of the shore that is affected by wave action, emphasizing the ecological aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "the shore" in a sentence?

"The shore" typically refers to the land bordering a body of water. For instance, "We walked along the shore at sunset" or "The storm washed debris onto the shore".

What are some alternatives to "the shore"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the coast", "the beach", "the waterfront" or "the riverbank".

Is it correct to say "I'm going to the shore"?

Yes, "I'm going to the shore" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in regions where coastal areas are frequently visited for recreation.

What is the difference between "the shore" and "the coast"?

"The shore" refers to the immediate edge of a body of water, while "the coast" is a broader term encompassing the land along a sea or ocean, including areas further inland from the immediate shoreline.