What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ferry
Example
We took the ferry to the island for our vacation. [ferry: noun]
Example
The company runs a ferry service between the two cities. [ferry: noun]
Example
The captain ferried the passengers safely across the river. [ferried: verb]
boat
Example
We rented a boat and went fishing on the lake. [boat: noun]
Example
The cargo was loaded onto the boat for transport. [boat: noun]
Example
They sailed their boat around the world. [boat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boat is more commonly used than ferry in everyday language. Boat is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ferry is less common and refers specifically to a vessel used for transportation across a body of water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferry and boat?
While ferry is typically associated with a formal and official tone due to its use in public transportation, boat can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
