What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onshore
Example
We decided to have a picnic on the onshore area of the beach. [onshore: adjective]
Example
The onshore breeze was refreshing on a hot summer day. [onshore: noun]
Example
The fishermen pulled their boats onshore after a long day at sea. [onshore: adverb]
coastal
Example
The coastal town was famous for its seafood restaurants. [coastal: adjective]
Example
The coastal region was hit by a hurricane last year. [coastal: noun]
Example
The coastal highway offered stunning views of the ocean. [coastal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coastal is more commonly used than onshore in everyday language. Coastal is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as geography, climate, tourism, and ecology. Onshore is less common and is typically used in marine or nautical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onshore and coastal?
Both onshore and coastal are neutral in terms of formality. They can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience.
