What does “On board” mean?
"On board" means being physically present on a ship or aircraft.
What context can I use the in?
Example
All passengers must be on board before the ship can depart.
Example
The captain announced that all crew members should be on board for the safety briefing.
Example
Once everyone was on board, the plane took off
Is “On board” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“On board” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “On board” effectively in context?
You can use "On board" to refer to someone being physically present on a ship or aircraft. It emphasizes the importance of everyone being present before a journey or activity can begin. For example, if you're waiting for your friends to arrive at a party, you might say, 'We can't start the game until everyone is on board.'
- 1Travel
All passengers must be on board before the ship can depart.
- 2Work
The captain announced that all crew members should be on board for the safety briefing.
- 3Transportation
Once everyone was on board, the plane took off.
Similar phrases to “On board”:
To be present at an event or gathering
Example
The CEO was in attendance at the company's annual conference.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “On board” come from?
The origin of the phrase "On board" is unknown.
Is “On board” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "On board" is a common expression in everyday conversation, especially in the context of travel and transportation. People often use it to ensure that everyone is present and ready before starting a journey.
What tone does “On board” have?
"On board" conveys a tone of organization and readiness. It implies that everyone needs to be present and prepared for a specific activity or event.
Can “On board” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "On board" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that is commonly used in travel-related conversations, as well as in professional contexts such as meetings or briefings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Make sure everyone is on board before we leave.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Is everyone on board?' to check if everyone is ready.