What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ferryboat
Example
The ferryboat was able to carry dozens of cars across the river. [ferryboat: noun]
Example
The ferryboat captain announced that they would be departing in 10 minutes. [ferryboat: adjective]
ferry
Example
We took the ferry across the bay to get to the island. [ferry: noun]
Example
The company offers a ferry service that runs every hour. [ferry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ferry is more commonly used than ferryboat in everyday language. Ferry is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while ferryboat is a more specific and less common term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferryboat and ferry?
While ferryboat is typically associated with a more formal or traditional tone, ferry can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile term.