What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boats
Example
We went fishing in a small boat on the lake. [boat: noun]
Example
They enjoy taking their boat out on weekends to explore the nearby islands. [boat: noun]
ship
Example
The cargo ship transported goods from one country to another. [ship: noun]
Example
He served in the navy and worked on a ship. [ship: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boats is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is often associated with recreational activities. On the other hand, ships are less commonly used and are usually associated with larger-scale transportation or military operations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boats and ship?
While boats can be used in both formal and informal contexts, ships are generally associated with a more formal tone due to their larger size and more significant role in transportation and military operations.
