What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onshore
Example
The fishermen were unloading their catch on the onshore dock. [onshore: adjective]
Example
The waves were pushing the boat onshore. [onshore: adverb]
landward
Example
The ship was heading landward after days at sea. [landward: adverb]
Example
The landward side of the island was covered in dense forests. [landward: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Onshore is more commonly used than landward in everyday language, especially in coastal areas or nautical contexts. Landward is less common and is mostly used in technical or scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onshore and landward?
Landward is generally considered more formal and technical than onshore, which has a more casual and informal tone. Therefore, landward is more appropriate for formal or academic writing, while onshore is more suitable for informal or conversational contexts.
