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What boat are you __ now, may I ask?

4 replies
:
What boat are you __ now, may I ask?

Which preposition should I use to fill in the blank, on or in?

Thanks a lot for your help.
Contributing Member1,620
:
Hi,

What boat are you __ now, may I ask?

Which preposition should I use to fill in the blank, on or in?

It's hard to say, without a context. Probably on. I say I crossed the river on a boat. But in is also possible.

There is an expression You and I are in the same boat, meaning we have the same problem.

I'd stick with on.

Best wishes, Clive
Veteran Member62,173
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:
We can say in a small boat. But is it possible to say on a small boat?

What's the difference between in a ship and on a ship?

Thank you very much for your reply.
:
Hi,

We can say in a small boat. But is it possible to say on a small boat? As I said, either is possible and much depends on the context, but stick with 'on' as a general rule.

What's the difference between in a ship and on a ship? Sailors use 'in a ship'. Non-sailors say 'on a ship'.

Best wishes, Clive
Moderator: A super-user who takes care of the forums. You have the ability to message a moderator privately should you wish. These users have a range of elevated privileges including the deletion, editing and movement of posts when needed.Teachers: Users in this role are certified teachers. This may include DELTA, CELTA, TESOL, TEFL qualified professionals. Email a scan of your qualification to an admin, if you wish to be considered.
:
http://www.englishclub.com/esl-forums/viewtopic.php?t=34605&highlight =

We say IN a boat and ON a ship. The other combinations are not possible.

http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/75600-___-boat-___-ship.html
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