What is aboard? Pronunciation and usage in English

aboard means . Learn how to pronounce and use aboard through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of aboard

aboardpreposition

/əˈbɔːd/
Definition & pronunciation of aboard

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "aboard." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əˈbɔːrd/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down further:

  • ə: This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound – almost like you’re holding your breath slightly. It’s the first syllable.
  • ˈbɔːrd: This is the stressed syllable.
    • b: as in "ball"
    • ɔː: This is the tricky part! It’s a rounded "or" sound, like in "caught" or "talk." It’s not like the "aw" in "saw." Think of it as a shorter, more open version of that "or" sound.
    • rd: pronounced as “rd” – like in “hard” or “card.”

Here's a more descriptive breakdown for English speakers:

It sounds a bit like "uh-board" but with a slightly longer "or" sound in the middle – like “uh-ord.” The emphasis is on the second syllable.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Here are some helpful resources:
    • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce aboard" into Google and listen to the audio.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/aboard/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce aboard" on YouTube.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you a few more example sentences with "aboard" in them?
  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation that you find particularly difficult?

Usage and examples with the word aboard in English

Let's break down how to use the word "aboard." It's a slightly formal word often used in nautical contexts, but it can be used more broadly.

1. Primary Meaning: Onboard a Ship or Aircraft

This is the most common and traditional use of "aboard." It means on or within a ship, boat, plane, or other vehicle.

  • Example: "Passengers were welcomed aboard the cruise ship."
  • Example: "The team boarded the plane for their flight to London."
  • Example: “All crew members were aboard the vessel when the storm hit.”

2. More General Usage: On or In (Something)

"Aboard" can be used more generally to mean "on" or "in" something, often implying a formal or official presence. It's less common than "on" or "in," but it can add a touch of formality.

  • Example: "The inspector was aboard the premises conducting an investigation." (Meaning: on the premises)
  • Example: "The artist was aboard the gallery’s roster." (Meaning: on the gallery’s list of artists)
  • Example: "The ambassador was aboard the delegation.” (Meaning: part of the delegation)

3. As a Verb (Less Common)

"Aboard" can also function as a verb, meaning "to get on" or "to board."

  • Example: "The hikers aboard the shuttle bus headed for the mountain trail."
  • Example: “The passengers aboard the train were eager to arrive.”

Key Points and Considerations:

  • Formality: "Aboard" is more formal than "on" or "in." It’s often found in official documents, news reports, and nautical literature.
  • Nautical Connection: It retains a strong connection to seafaring and air travel.
  • Alternatives: In most everyday situations, "on" or "in" are perfectly fine. “Boarding” (as a verb) is often a clearer choice.

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun On or in a vehicle Passengers aboard the train
Noun Part of a group/organization Members aboard the committee
Verb To get on/board They boarded the bus.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word aboard

Practice with vocabulary aboard

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Before the ship departed, all registered passengers were required to be safely ________ by 7:00 PM.
  2. The key documents for the merger were carefully placed ________ the secure briefcase.
  3. The flight attendant welcomed everyone ________ Flight 345 to London.
  4. Please place your identification card directly ________ the scanner for verification.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The captain announced that all passengers must be _______ the cruise liner an hour before departure. a) aboard b) into c) on d) within

  2. For security reasons, all electronic devices must be stored _______ the overhead compartments or under the seats during takeoff. a) on b) in c) aboard d) into

  3. The research team found unique marine species living deep _______ the ocean. a) in b) beneath c) aboard d) within

  4. We received a warm welcome from the crew once we stepped _______ the aircraft. a) aboard b) onto c) inside d) in

  5. The new safety protocols apply to everyone present _______ the manufacturing plant during operating hours. a) on b) inside c) aboard d) at

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: All passengers were instructed to be on the train fifteen minutes before departure. Rewrite using "aboard":

  2. Original: After checking in, the entire delegation proceeded to get onto the ferry. Rewrite using "aboard" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The technical team carefully examined the equipment within the confined space of the submarine. Rewrite without using "aboard":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. aboard
  2. inside
  3. aboard
  4. on

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) aboard, c) on
  2. b) in (d) into could also be argued for movement, but 'in' is for storage location)
  3. a) in, b) beneath, d) within
  4. a) aboard, b) onto, c) inside, d) in
  5. b) inside, d) at

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. All passengers were instructed to be aboard the train fifteen minutes before departure.
  2. After checking in, the entire delegation proceeded to board the ferry.
  3. The technical team carefully examined the equipment inside the confined space of the submarine.

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