Abroad vs Aboard: Understanding the Difference
Learners of English often confuse the words abroad and aboard because they look and sound similar. However, these two words have very different meanings and uses. This post will clarify their differences and provide helpful examples to show when to use each word correctly.
What Does Abroad Mean?
The word abroad means 'being in or going to a foreign country'. It is typically used to describe travel or existence in a place outside one's home country. Formally, it can also mean that something is widely spread or known:
✅ My niece plans to study abroad in Canada next year.
✅ Many people dream of travelling abroad after retirement.
✅ News of the discovery quickly spread abroad.
What Does Aboard Mean?
The word aboard means 'being on or entering a ship, plane, train, or bus'. It refers to physical presence on a mode of transport:
✅ All passengers are now aboard the ship.
✅ He stepped aboard the train just before it departed.
✅ Welcome aboard! We hope you enjoy your flight.
Common Mistake: Using Aboard When You Mean Abroad
One of the most common mistakes English learners make is using aboard when they mean abroad. Remember, aboard refers to being on a vehicle, while abroad refers to being in or travelling to a foreign country. Here are some examples of this mistake, along with corrections:
❌ She wants to go aboard to study.
✅ She wants to go abroad to study.
❌ He has lived aboard for three years.
✅ He has lived abroad for three years.
❌ They are planning to travel aboard next summer.
✅ They are planning to travel abroad next summer.
Memory Aid: How to Remember the Difference
Here is a simple way to remember the difference between these two words:
- Abroad: Think of the broad in abroad as referring to locations 'broadly' in the world—in other words, outside your home country.
- Aboard: Think of the board in aboard as referring to boarding or being on a vehicle.
This quick mnemonic will help you avoid confusing these two similar-sounding words.
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Examples from the Media
In the Chinese city of Shanghai, two young women seeking an education abroad have both decided against going to the United States, a destination of choice for decades that may be losing its shine. —Toronto Star (2024)
As we wave goodbye to a troubled year for the travel industry, the British appetite for a holiday appears as strong as ever. A recent survey of 2,000 UK travellers by easyJet found 70 per cent would prioritise a trip abroad over other yearly expenditure. —Daily Mail (2023)
Swedish police say they will participate as observers as Chinese authorities conduct investigations aboard a China-flagged ship in the Baltic Sea that was seen in an area where two undersea data cables were damaged last month. —The Washington Post (2024)
Two other Ministers can count themselves fortunate that they were not aboard the plane. The Assistant Treasurer, Mr Fadden, and the Minister of Customs, Senator McLeay, were offered seats, but declined the invitation. —The Age (2020)
Practice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
1. The crew abroad/aboard the plane is preparing for take-off.
2. He works abroad/aboard and only visits home twice a year.
3. Living abroad/aboard has taught her to appreciate different cultures.
4. They climbed abroad/aboard the bus and found their seats.
5. They decided to spend their honeymoon abroad/aboard in Italy.
6. All passengers must be abroad/aboard the ship by 6 p.m.
7. The captain announced that everyone abroad/aboard must remain seated.
8. News of the company's success quickly spread abroad/aboard.
9. Once abroad/aboard, the passengers were shown to their cabins.
10. The politician's speech was well-received both at home and abroad/aboard.
11. Is everyone abroad/aboard the coach ready to leave?
12. The sailors spent months abroad/aboard the navy vessel.
13. Happy New Year to everyone in Hong Kong and abroad/aboard!
Answer Key
1. aboard 2. abroad 3. abroad 4. aboard 5. abroad 6. aboard 7. aboard 8. abroad 9. aboard 10. abroad 11. aboard 12. aboard 13. abroad
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