Aboard vs. Boarding — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
"Aboard" refers to being on or within a vehicle, often used as an adverb or preposition; "boarding" is the process of entering a vehicle, typically used as a verb.
Difference Between Aboard and Boarding
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Key Differences
"Aboard" is used to indicate that someone is on or inside a vehicle, such as a ship, plane, or train, suggesting a state of being. Whereas, "boarding" refers to the action of getting onto such vehicles, emphasizing the movement or transition.
When you are "aboard," you are already situated inside or on a vehicle, indicating a completed action. On the other hand, "boarding" is the ongoing process or the act of entering, which is not yet completed.
The term "aboard" can also be used in expressions like "all aboard," which is a call for passengers to embark on a vehicle. In contrast, "boarding" can be part of phrases such as "boarding pass," which is a document required to enter and be seated on a vehicle.
Usage contexts for "aboard" often relate to being part of a crew or a passenger list, assuming presence within the vehicle. Whereas "boarding" is frequently used in scheduling and procedural contexts, such as airline announcements.
In safety instructions, "aboard" is used to confirm location, as in "life jackets are located aboard the vessel." Conversely, "boarding" is used in instructions about the process, like "please form a line while boarding."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb, Preposition
Verb (also noun as in "boarding")
Usage
Indicates presence on a vehicle
Describes the action of entering
Example Phrase
"Welcome aboard the flight."
"Boarding will commence at 3 PM."
Related Terms
Aboard a ship, come aboard
Boarding pass, boarding procedure
Contexts
Static presence, completed action
Dynamic action, process oriented
Compare with Definitions
Aboard
As an adverb.
They were aboard when the incident happened.
Boarding
As a verb.
She is boarding the plane right now.
Aboard
In metaphoric usage.
Are you aboard with the plan?
Boarding
Referring to a process.
Boarding for flight 502 is now closed.
Aboard
In idiomatic expressions.
All hands aboard!
Boarding
In educational contexts.
He will start boarding school this fall.
Aboard
In announcements.
The captain welcomed everyone aboard.
Boarding
In terms of facilities.
The boarding gate is now open.
Aboard
As a preposition.
He climbed aboard the boat.
Boarding
In the animal care context.
We offer cat boarding services.
Aboard
On board a ship, train, aircraft, or other passenger vehicle.
Boarding
A long flat slab of sawed lumber; a plank.
Aboard
At the side; alongside.
Boarding
A long flat slab of another material, used as a structural member.
Aboard
In or into a group, organization, or business
Brought aboard two new designers.
Boarding
A flat, rigid, often rectangular piece of material used as a surface upon which to work
A cutting board.
An ironing board.
Aboard
(Baseball) On base.
Boarding
A blackboard.
Aboard
On board of; on; in.
Boarding
A bulletin board.
Aboard
On board; into or within a ship or boat; hence, into or within a railway car.
We all climbed aboard.
Boarding
A scoreboard.
Aboard
On or onto a horse, a camel, etc.
To sling a saddle aboard.
Boarding
A toteboard.
Aboard
(baseball) On base.
He doubled with two men aboard, scoring them both.
Boarding
A flat piece of material designed or equipped to be ridden as a sport, especially a snowboard, skateboard, or surfboard.
Aboard
Into a team, group, or company.
The office manager welcomed him aboard.
Boarding
A diving board.
Aboard
(nautical) Alongside.
The ships came close aboard to pass messages.
The captain laid his ship aboard the enemy's ship.
Boarding
A backboard.
Aboard
On board of; onto or into a ship, boat, train, plane.
We all went aboard the ship.
Boarding
A flat, rigid piece of material on which a game is played, such as a checkerboard or chessboard.
Aboard
Onto a horse.
Boarding
A table at which official meetings are held; a council table.
Aboard
(obsolete) Across; athwart; alongside.
Boarding
An organized body of administrators or investigators
A board of trustees.
A board of directors.
Aboard
On board; into or within a ship or boat; hence, into or within a railway car.
Boarding
A table, especially one set for serving food.
Aboard
Alongside; as, close aboard.
Boarding
Food or meals considered as a whole
Board and lodging.
Aboard
On board of; as, to go aboard a ship.
Boarding
(Sports) The wooden structure enclosing an area for skating, such as the ice on which hockey is played, or enclosing a playing area, as for indoor soccer.
Aboard
Across; athwart.
Nor iron bands aboardThe Pontic Sea by their huge navy cast.
Boarding
A theater stage.
Aboard
On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
Boarding
(Basketball) A rebound.
Aboard
On first or second or third base;
Their second homer with Bob Allison aboard
Boarding
An electrical-equipment panel.
Aboard
Side by side;
Anchored close aboard another ship
Boarding
(Computers) A circuit board.
Aboard
Part of a group;
Bill's been aboard for three years now
Boarding
The side of a ship.
Boarding
A leeboard.
Boarding
A centerboard.
Boarding
(Obsolete) A border or edge.
Boarding
To cover or close with boards
Board up a broken window.
Boarding
To furnish with meals in return for pay.
Boarding
To house where board is furnished
Board a horse at a stable.
Boarding
To enter or go aboard (a vehicle or ship).
Boarding
To allow (passengers) on board.
Boarding
(Nautical) To come alongside (a ship).
Boarding
(Sports) To force (an opposing hockey player) into the boards with a body check.
Boarding
(Obsolete) To approach.
Boarding
To receive meals or food and lodging as a paying customer.
Boarding
(Sports) To use a snowboard, skateboard, surfboard, or similar item.
Boarding
Present participle of board
Boarding
The act of people getting aboard a ship aircraft, train, bus, etc.; embarkation.
Boarding
The act of a sailor or boarding party attacking an enemy ship by boarding it.
Boarding
A structure made of boards.
Boarding
(uncountable) The riding of a skateboard.
Boarding
(ice hockey) A penalty called for pushing into the boards.
Boarding
The act of entering a ship, whether with a hostile or a friendly purpose.
Both slain at one time, as they attempted the boarding of a frigate.
Boarding
The act of covering with boards; also, boards, collectively; or a covering made of boards.
Boarding
The act of supplying, or the state of being supplied, with regular or specified meals, or with meals and lodgings, for pay.
Boarding
The act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft
Boarding
A structure of boards
Common Curiosities
What is "boarding" in travel?
Boarding is the process by which passengers enter a vehicle, especially planes and ships.
Is "boarding" only associated with air travel?
No, boarding can also refer to entering ships, buses, and even schools (as in boarding schools).
What does "aboard" mean?
Aboard means on or in a vehicle, ship, or aircraft.
What is required for boarding an airplane?
A boarding pass and valid identification are typically required.
What is the difference between "boarding a ship" and "being aboard a ship"?
"Boarding" refers to the action of getting onto the ship, "being aboard" means already being on the ship.
Who uses the term "boarding" frequently?
Airlines, schools, and pet care services often use the term.
Can "aboard" be used as a verb?
No, "aboard" is used as an adverb or preposition, not a verb.
How do airlines facilitate boarding?
Airlines use boarding groups and sequence to organize the process.
Where might one hear the phrase "All aboard"?
Typically on trains or before a ship departs.
What is a "boarding house"?
A house renting rooms to multiple tenants, often with shared facilities.
How does one know if they are "aboard" correctly?
Being aboard is confirmed by being inside or on the vehicle.
What does "boarding area" mean?
It is the designated space where passengers wait before boarding their flight.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
