What is transport? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of transport

transportverb/noun

/trɑːnˈspɔːt/
Definition & pronunciation of transport

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "transport." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown with different approaches:

1. The Most Common & Accepted Pronunciation (American English):

  • TRAP-suhrt

    • TRAP: Like the word "trap" (as in a mousetrap). The emphasis is on this syllable.
    • suhrt: This syllable is very short and almost like "srt." The 'r' sound is lightly rolled, but don't overdo it. Think of a very quick, barely-there "r."

2. British English Pronunciation:

  • TRANS-port

    • TRANS: Like "trans" as in transaction.
    • port: As in "port" (a harbor), slightly shortened.

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "transport" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. This will give you both American and British pronunciations.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/transport/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in various accents.

Key Tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "t": The "t" sound in “transport” is subtle. It’s almost silent in American English. In British English it's a bit clearer.
  • Listen carefully: The most accurate way to learn is to listen to native speakers.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which accent are you trying to learn? (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word transport in English

Let's break down how to use the word "transport" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (to move something or someone):

  • General Movement: This is the most common usage. It means to move something or someone from one place to another.

    • Example: "The company will transport the goods by truck."
    • Example: "We need to transport the furniture to the new house."
    • Example: "The ambulance transported the injured man to the hospital."

  • Moving People (often by public means): It implies moving people, frequently using public transport.

    • Example: “The bus transported hundreds of passengers to the airport.”
    • Example: "The train transported them across the country."

2. As a Noun (a method of moving):

  • Means of Travel: This refers to the mode of moving something or someone.

    • Example: "The ship is a vital transport for trade.”
    • Example: "Air transport is faster than road transport."
    • Example: “He works in transport planning.” (meaning he plans how people move around)

  • Movement itself: Sometimes, it refers to the actual act of moving.

    • Example: “The transport of the refugees was chaotic.” (describing the chaos of moving the refugees)

3. More Specific Meanings/Contexts:

  • Military Transport: This specifically refers to vehicles used to move troops and equipment.

    • Example: "The military transported the soldiers to the front lines."

  • Biological Transport: In science (biology, chemistry), it refers to the movement of substances within a living organism.

    • Example: “The cells used active transport to bring nutrients into the cell.”

Key Differences & Synonyms:

Word Usage Level Connotation Example
Transport Formal/Neutral Movement, System "The government invested in improved transport infrastructure."
Move Informal/Common Simple Movement "Let's move the boxes over there."
Ship Specific Vehicle "They shipped the package via FedEx."
Carry Common Holding/Moving “Can you carry these bags for me?”
Transit Formal/Technical Often public travel “The transit system is very efficient.”

Tips for Using “Transport” Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about what you’re actually moving (people, goods, ideas) and how.
  • "Transport" often implies a systematic or organized movement. “Move” is more general.
  • Don't overuse it. Sometimes, “move,” “ship,” “carry,” or “travel” is a better fit.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "transport" in? (e.g., writing a story, a business report, a casual conversation?)

Synonyms for the word transport

Practice with vocabulary transport

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company relies heavily on its fleet of trucks to __________ raw materials to the manufacturing plant.
  2. Efficient public __________ is crucial for reducing traffic congestion in major cities.
  3. My daily __________ to the office takes about an hour, mostly by train.
  4. Optimizing the supply chain and __________ operations can significantly lower costs for businesses.

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

  1. Which of the following are primary modes for commercial __________ of bulk goods internationally? a) motorcycles b) cargo ships c) airplanes d) passenger cars e) freight trains
  2. The city council is exploring various options to improve its public _________ network. a) movement b) transit c) transport d) commute
  3. To __________ sensitive equipment safely, specialized handling procedures are often required. a) transfer b) convey c) transmit d) transport
  4. When ordering products online, the additional fee often covers the __________ of the item from the warehouse to your doorstep. a) postage b) dispatch c) delivery d) carriage
  5. My company offers employees a flexible work schedule to help them manage their daily __________ more efficiently. a) voyages b) travels c) commutes d) expeditions

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The primary challenge for businesses shipping perishable goods is maintaining their quality during transit. Rewrite using "transport" or related word forms:
  2. Original: It is essential to carefully manage the movement of materials from suppliers to the factory floor. Rewrite using "transport" or related word forms:
  3. Original: Many residents spend over an hour travelling to and from work each day. Rewrite without using "transport" or related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. transport
  2. transport
  3. commute
  4. logistics

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) cargo ships, c) airplanes, e) freight trains
  2. b) transit, c) transport
  3. a) transfer, b) convey, d) transport
  4. c) delivery, d) carriage
  5. c) commutes

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Maintaining the quality of perishable goods during their transport is the primary challenge for businesses.
  2. Careful management of materials' transportation from suppliers to the factory floor is essential.
  3. Many residents have a daily commute of over an hour.

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