under tow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under tow" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a vessel being pulled by another vessel. An example: "The boat was under tow as it made its way to the harbor." Alternative expressions include "being towed" and "in tow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twenty-four yachts were abandoned, and five of those sank (one while under tow).

The New York Times

The boat's six crew members were rescued and the hulk later sank while under tow.

The Guardian

South Korea is beginning operations this week to salvage the vessel, which sank while under tow.

The New York Times

Later, the same trawler passed us, headed north, back to Beaufort, unceremoniously under tow.

The New York Times - Travel

According to Greenpeace, at its current speed under tow, the ship will arrive in Murmansk on Monday.

The New York Times

The freighter had been under tow, from Beaumont, Tex., to Tampa, when a line to the oceangoing tug Sovereign snapped.

The New York Times

Roads and highways are crowded with cars, trucks, vans, tractor-trailers, mobile homes and boats under tow, campers and motorcycles.

The New York Times

The vessel had gone to the island from nearby Martin's Haven and was going back there under tow after being refloated, he added.

Independent

The Ady Gil was then taken under tow to a French research base at Dumont d'Urville, but quickly took on water and became difficult to tow.

The New Yorker

It was sunk during a storm in 1972, while under tow; it was being delivered to a company in Taiwan as scrap.

The New Yorker

The barge, which was under tow by a third-party vessel, was transporting a plow, welding equipment and other items.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under tow", ensure that the context clearly indicates the object being towed and the means of towing (e.g., a rope, cable). For clarity, specify the towing vessel or agent.

Common error

Avoid using "under tow" when the subject is actively towing something else. "Under tow" describes the object being towed, not the one doing the towing.

Linguistic Context

"Under tow" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the state of something being towed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing vessels, barges, or any object being pulled by another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

21%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under tow" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a state of being pulled or towed by another vessel or vehicle. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable. Primarily found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it carries a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the object being towed and the means of towing. Consider alternatives like ""being towed"" or "in tow" for broader appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being towed

This alternative directly replaces "under tow" with a more common verb phrase. It describes the action of towing.

in tow

A shorter and more general phrase indicating that something is being towed or pulled. It's very close in meaning to the original phrase.

being pulled

This describes the physical action of towing. It is a simpler, more direct way of saying "under tow".

towed by

This emphasizes the agent doing the towing. It specifies the source of the towing action.

guided by

This broadens the meaning to include any form of guidance, not just physical towing. It is semantically related but not a direct synonym.

dragged along

This phrase suggests a less controlled or more forceful towing. It implies a lack of control or resistance.

being hauled

This suggests heavy or difficult towing. It implies a significant effort is required for the towing.

in transit by tow

This clarifies that the object is being transported by means of towing. It's more formal and descriptive.

connected by towline

This emphasizes the physical connection between the towing and towed objects. It is a more technical description.

on a leash

While primarily used for animals, this metaphorically describes something being led or controlled. The similarity is in the control aspect.

FAQs

What does "under tow" mean?

The phrase "under tow" describes a vessel or object that is being pulled or towed by another vessel or vehicle. It implies a state of being guided or moved by an external force.

How can I use "under tow" in a sentence?

You can use "under tow" to describe the state of a boat, barge, or other object being towed, as in "The damaged vessel was "being towed" back to port after the storm".

What are some alternatives to saying "under tow"?

Alternatives to "under tow" include phrases such as ""being towed"", "in tow", or "being pulled", depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

Is it correct to say "under tow" instead of "being towed"?

Yes, "under tow" is a correct and valid phrase. However, ""being towed"" may be more commonly used in contemporary English. The choice often depends on context and desired tone.