Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

the transportations

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the transportations" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to multiple modes or instances of transportation, but it is more typical to use "transportation" as an uncountable noun. Example: "The transportations provided by the city include buses, trains, and ferries."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It costs about 260 seconds to complete all of the transportations.

The second section presents the materials used, the connections and the optimization of the packaging in order to minimize the transportations volumes.

As mentioned above, COOP has given up using the intermodal road-rail system for the transportations of time-sensitive fresh fruits and vegetables.

This could be due to all kebles in highland were rural and the transportations to these sites were difficult, most roads were season dependent; not accessible in rainy season.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The main membrane transport is in the transportation of manganese.

The transportation dead.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The transportation authority's situation is dire.

News & Media

The New York Times

The transportation sector in China is skyrocketing.

News & Media

The New York Times

The transportation authority has advertising standards.

News & Media

The New York Times

There was also the transportation issue.

The transportation itself poses risks.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for the singular form "transportation" unless you specifically refer to multiple, distinct instances or types of transportation systems. For example, prefer "the development of sustainable transportation" over "the development of sustainable the transportations".

Common error

Avoid using "the transportations" when "transportation" suffices. The singular form is generally preferred as a non-count noun. Using the plural can sound awkward and less professional.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the transportations" functions as a noun phrase, referring to specific instances or systems of transportation. While grammatically correct, it is less common than the singular form "transportation". As Ludwig indicates, its use can sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "the transportations" is infrequently used and can sometimes sound awkward. Ludwig suggests that it is generally preferable to use the singular form "transportation" unless referring to multiple distinct systems or instances. When clarity and common usage are priorities, consider alternatives such as "the modes of transport" or "the means of transportation". The phrase appears primarily in scientific and news contexts, but its rarity suggests a need for careful consideration in writing.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "the transportations"?

While grammatically acceptable, "the transportations" is not commonly used. It's generally preferable to use the singular form "transportation" unless referring to multiple distinct systems or instances of transportation. Consider alternatives such as "the modes of "transport"" or "the means of "transportation"".

When should I use "transportation" versus "the transportations"?

Use "transportation" as a general, non-count noun to refer to the act or system of transporting. Use "the transportations" only when you want to emphasize multiple, specific instances or types of transportation systems. For example, "the city offers various "modes of transport", including buses, trains, and ferries".

What are some alternatives to using "the transportations" in a sentence?

Instead of "the transportations", consider using phrases like "the "transportation systems"", "the "transport methods"", or simply ""transportation"" depending on the context. These alternatives are often clearer and more concise.

How does the use of "the transportations" affect the formality of writing?

Using "the transportations" can make your writing sound less formal and slightly awkward, as it's not a common construction. Opting for the singular ""transportation"" or alternative phrases like "the means of transportation" generally maintains a higher level of formality and clarity.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: