while on the water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on the water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur during the time someone is on a body of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean. Example: "We enjoyed a picnic while on the water, surrounded by beautiful scenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Additionally, all skippers should be extra courteous while on the water and remember boater's etiquette, especially in close quarter situations.

Los Angeles Times

Wearing one while on the water is always wise.

The New York Times

Growing up fishing in Minnesota, Gordon says he came up with a lot of great ideas while on the water, one of which was Mystery Tackle Box.

TechCrunch

While on the water, first row at a steady state at a low stroke rate — 16 to 18 strokes a minute.

The New York Times

While on the water, you'll see Odaiba on an island in Tokyo Bay. Popular with young people, particularly on sunny days, the waterfront is filled with modern office buildings, plenty of shopping, restaurants and street performers.

The New York Times - Travel

Once I'd decided to live on a boat, I realised I needed a business I could run while on the water and on the move; herbs and spices are quite light and compact and it was achievable within the very limited storage facilities available.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Among the surface feeders some, principally the gadfly petrels, can obtain food by dipping from flight, while most of the rest feed while sitting on the water.

Wikipedia

Last summer, while out on the water surveying bulkheads with the crusading conservation group Riverkeeper, he discovered and documented a previously unreported oil spill on the Queens side.

The New York Times

For example Pixel in the Courtyard has a bed and a vintage caravan in a large warehouse space, while Pixel on the Water is a drag boat floating in Linz's harbour.

The Guardian - Travel

In the winter months, guests may even see a humpback whale breach from their boat or canoe while out on the water.

Forbes

Fans hobnobbed while crews battled one another on the water.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while on the water" to describe activities, observations, or events that occur during any kind of water-based travel or recreation. It can set the scene for storytelling, instructions, or reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "while on the water" excessively in highly technical documents where more precise terms like "during aquatic operations" or "during maritime navigation" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on the water" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the time or circumstances during which an action occurs. Ludwig examples show it sets the temporal context for various activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while on the water" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide temporal context for activities and events occurring on various bodies of water. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and common in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. Though generally neutral in register, it should be used sparingly in technical writing. Consider more specific alternatives, such as "while sailing" or "at sea", for enhanced clarity. The Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for describing experiences and observations during water-based travel or recreation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst afloat

Uses a more formal synonym for "while" and a concise term for being on the water.

during the boat ride

Specifies a type of water activity.

while sailing

Refers to a specific activity performed on the water.

when boating

Similar to sailing, but more general.

on the open sea

Focuses on the location, implying being on the water.

at sea

A shorter, more idiomatic way of saying "on the water".

while navigating

Emphasizes the act of moving across the water.

out on the lake

Specifies a particular type of body of water.

aboard the vessel

Formal and emphasizes the location on a watercraft.

during the cruise

Refers to a more extended journey on water.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "while on the water" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "whilst afloat" or "aboard the vessel", depending on the context.

What's a more specific alternative to "while on the water"?

To be more specific, you could use phrases that name a particular activity or location such as "while sailing", "at sea", or "out on the lake".

Is it always necessary to specify the type of watercraft when using "while on the water"?

No, "while on the water" is versatile and doesn't always require specifying the watercraft. It works well when the context makes the type of vessel clear, or when you want to refer generally to any water-based activity.

How does "while on the water" differ from "while at sea"?

"While on the water" is a broader term encompassing any body of water (lakes, rivers, oceans), whereas "while at sea" specifically refers to being on the ocean. The choice depends on the specific setting you're describing.