What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boat
Example
We went out on a boat to go fishing in the lake. [boat: noun]
Example
He enjoys rowing his boat on the calm river. [rowing: present participle]
ship
Example
The cargo ship carried containers from one country to another. [ship: noun]
Example
They sailed on a cruise ship to explore different countries. [sailed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boat is a more commonly used term in everyday language, especially in recreational contexts. Ship is less common and is typically used in specific situations related to transportation or maritime industries.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between boat and ship?
While boat is generally associated with a casual and informal tone, ship can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation or industry.