The boat is in the river. vs The boat is on the river.

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "The boat is in the river" implies that the boat is physically inside the river (underwater), while "The boat is on the river" means that the boat is floating on the surface of the river.

Explained by Howard B.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: January 18, 2025 • 7681 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that the boat is physically inside the river.

"The boat is in the river."

This phrase is used to describe a situation where the boat is located within the boundaries of the river, possibly moored or anchored.

Examples:

The boat is in the river, waiting for the tide to change.
I saw a beautiful boat in the river yesterday.
There are many boats in the river during the summer.
The boat got stuck in the river due to low water levels.
We found the missing boat in the river downstream.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 26, 2024

... The boat is in the river looks like the "Edna K." the recreational launch from Vermilion's Crystal Beach Amusement Park. - by Rich Tarrant | Ritter Public ...
Mar 3, 2022 ... Chairman Prinster stated that he is disturbed that neighbors do not get any notice until it's happening and the “boat is in the river”. He ...
The boat is in the river for an hour and then across a bay for 30 mins. Ferry drops you off in the near centre of town. Vung Tau Hotels and Places to Stay.
Feb 1, 2019 ... Once the boat is in the river, the nets, closed at one end, will collect the floating garbage during the journey. Once the boat reaches the ...
Mar 6, 2019 ... Once the boat is in the river, the nets, closed at one end, will collect the floating garbage during the journey. Once the boat reaches the ...
manned & held in position whilst the boat is in the river and blades are being collected and put into the boat. Please be reminded that rowing boats can be ...
Apr 28, 2022 ... The boat is on the river the boat is in the river which one is correct? What type of ventilation system must a inboard gasoline boat have ...

Alternatives:

The boat is on the riverbank.
The boat is floating in the river.
The boat is sailing on the river.
The boat is cruising down the river.
The boat is navigating through the river.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that the boat is floating on the surface of the river.

"The boat is on the river."

This phrase is used to describe a situation where the boat is not submerged but rather floating on the water of the river.

Examples:

The boat is on the river, gliding smoothly along the current.
We watched the boat on the river as it passed by.
There is a boat on the river that offers tours to visitors.
The boat on the river is painted in bright colors.
She enjoys spending time on the boat on the river.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 26, 2024

The boat is on the river and I don't have to deal with navigating my boat through lagoons and no-wake zones unless I choose to. I usually go there to fish ...
Jul 3, 2019 ... This is probably why he uses the preposition "on"; the person in the boat is "on the river". However, it is possible he meant "on" to refer ...
Dec 25, 2010 ... For those who have questioned why not just use ramps, ramps are feasible when the boat is on the river but I will also be loading while on ...
May 20, 2016 ... They have a self-imposed restriction on alcohol when the boat is on the river, but the nights can get interesting. Whitney: South Dakota's ...
Jul 11, 2019 ... Spring Retreat Talk 3, The Boat is on the River with Valerie Forstman. Valerie explores the clarity and simplicity of Master Hogen who came ...
Mar 23, 2017 ... If this is the case, is it possible to remove spreaders in situ. The boat is on the river mid steam pontoon , and make mast safe whilst taking ...
• Chemical or flushing toilets must not be used whilst the boat is on the River – water companies draw drinking water from the River Dee. • Boats to be used ...
The boat is on the river for about 2 hours, and the turnaround time is approximately 2.5 hours. Finger lunch as per menu below on the Lunch Cruise: • Greek ...
Mar 30, 2006 ... The woman loves the god in the sky. Question 5. Question 5. The boat is on the river. The man sails the boat.
You told me the boat is on the river. Another name for this boat is a riverboat. Have the students say a complete sentence about the picture. • Now listen ...

Alternatives:

The boat is in the river.
The boat is cruising on the river.
The boat is navigating the river.
The boat is floating downstream.
The boat is sailing along the river.

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The boat is in the river. vs The boat is on the river.

"The boat is in the river."

"The boat is on the river."

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