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 captain will ferry passengers across the river. [ferry: verb]
ship
Example
The ship sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. [ship: noun]
Example
The company will ship the products to customers overseas. [ship: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ship is more commonly used than ferry in everyday language. Ship is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while ferry is less common and refers to a specific type of boat used for transportation across a body of water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferry and ship?
While ferry is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, ship can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
