was moored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was moored" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a boat or ship that is secured in a particular location, usually at a dock or harbor. Example: "The yacht was moored at the marina for the summer season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cole was moored in a foreign port.

The New York Times

Now it was moored on the grass, its work done.

The New Yorker

The suspicious tug was moored to one of those carcasses.

The New York Times

Cole, as it was moored in a harbor off Aden, Yemen, killed 17 sailors.

The New York Times

(It holds 3,000 gallons, and he was moored aboard it in Maine when we spoke).

The New York Times

In reality she spent 15 months on the ship while it was moored in California.

Independent

Once in position it was moored with cables to the seafloor, about 700 feet below.

The New York Times

The boat was moored a short distance offshore but appears to have been overlooked in security.

The Guardian

A white yacht was moored out front -- blocking most of the view.

The New York Times

The Pirate Ship was moored atop a flatbed truck, awaiting storage.

The New York Times

The first delivery was moored off Orkney for several days while awaiting Ineos's carefully stage-managed inauguration ceremony at Grangemouth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was moored" to specifically describe a vessel being secured in a harbor or waterway. Choose alternative phrases like "was docked" or "was anchored" when you want to convey more specific meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "was moored" in situations that do not involve ships or boats. Using it to describe people or objects in non-nautical settings can sound unnatural. Instead, opt for more general terms like "was stationed" or "was placed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was moored" primarily functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something (typically a vessel) was secured or fastened in a particular location. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the state of ships in harbors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was moored" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe a vessel being secured in a specific location. As Ludwig shows, it frequently appears in news, wiki and scientific contexts. It is considered neutral in register, leaning towards formal, and should primarily be used in nautical contexts. Be mindful of the context to avoid unnatural phrasing in non-maritime situations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was anchored

Implies a more specific method of securing a vessel using an anchor.

was docked

Suggests a vessel is secured at a dock or pier, allowing for loading and unloading.

was berthed

Similar to docked, but can also refer to securing a vessel in a designated area.

was tethered

Indicates being fastened or restricted by a rope or chain.

was secured

A broader term suggesting any method of fastening or making safe.

was fastened

Similar to secured, emphasizing the act of joining or attaching.

was stationed

Implies being placed in a specific location for a particular purpose.

was positioned

Suggests a deliberate placement in a specific spot.

was affixed

Indicates being attached firmly and permanently.

was tied up

Informal expression that suggests a vessel is secured.

FAQs

How to use "was moored" in a sentence?

Use "was moored" to describe a vessel being secured in a specific location, such as "The ship was moored at the dock overnight." It's typically used in nautical or maritime contexts.

What can I say instead of "was moored"?

You can use alternatives like "was docked" if the vessel is at a dock, or "was anchored" if it's secured with an anchor. "Was berthed" is another alternative if the vessel is secured in a berth.

Which is correct, "was moored" or "was anchored"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Was moored" generally means secured in a particular place, while "was anchored" specifically means secured with an anchor.

What's the difference between "was moored" and "was docked"?

"Was moored" is a general term for securing a vessel. "Was docked" implies the vessel is specifically secured at a dock or pier, often for loading/unloading or repairs.