On board vs Onboard
What’s the difference between them?
On board
Meaning:
On board is a phrasal adverb that means being physically on a vehicle or ship.
Examples:
1. The cruise ship set sail after all passengers were on board.
2. The new intern was welcomed on board with a warm handshake.
3. We have worked hard to get all departments on board with the project.
Onboard
Meaning:
Onboard is a verb that means to bring somebody or something onto a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft, or to join or become part of an organization, a project, or an activity.
Examples:
1. We need to onboard 10 new employees.
2. The captain instructed passengers to onboard the ship.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
On board
1. Welcome aboard
2. Sign up
3. Join forces
off board
Onboard
1. Induct
2. Welcome
3. Embark upon
offboard
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "on board", "onboard".
1. Remember that separate spelling (on board) is an adverb and connected (onboard) is a verb.
2. Imagine a person physically standing on a board (like a surfboard) when you think of 'on board.' For 'onboard,' imagine a person wearing a badge that says 'I Agree' to represent being in agreement or part of a plan or idea.
3. Try substituting 'on board/onboard' with a similar phrase in a sentence. If you can replace 'on board' with 'on the ship' or another specific location, it’s likely two words. If you can replace 'onboard' with 'in agreement' or 'part of this,' it’s likely one word.
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'on board'?
When you use the phrase 'on board,' it means to join or become part of a group, team, or organization. It’s typically used to describe becoming part of a company, such as 'I just got on board with XYZ Corporation.' You can also use it in a more figurative way, such as 'We’re on board with this idea.'
When to use the second word 'onboard'?
The word 'onboard' is a verb, and it’s usually used to mean 'to bring someone or something on board a vehicle or vessel.' For example, 'The captain onboarded the passengers.' Another definition of the word is 'to integrate or initiate someone into an organization,' such as 'We’re onboarding new employees this month.'
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
No, the two words have different pronunciations. 'On board' is pronounced as 'awn bawrd,' with the emphasis on the first syllable. 'Onboard' is pronounced as 'awn-bohrd,' with the emphasis on the second syllable.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'on board' and 'onboard'?
One common mistake is writing the phrase as 'onboard' when it should be 'on board.' Using 'onboard' when it should be 'on board' is also common. Additionally, some people confuse the two words and use one when they mean the other. Pay careful attention to the context of the sentence to understand which word is appropriate.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The new employee was ___ on the team.
2. We are ___ with the new project.
3. We need to ___ the new customer.
4. Are you ___ with the change?
5. Im ___ with the new plan.
6. We need to get the new hire ___ on the team.
1. Answer: onboarded.
Explanation: Onboard is a verb, meaning to bring someone new into a team or organization.
2. Answer: on board.
Explanation: On board is an adverb, meaning to agree with something or to be enthusiastic about a project.
3. Answer: onboard.
Explanation: Onboard is a verb, meaning to bring someone new into a team or organization.
4. Answer: on board.
Explanation: On board is an adverb, meaning to agree with something or to be enthusiastic about a project.
5. Answer: on board.
Explanation: On board is an adverb, meaning to agree with something or to be enthusiastic about a project.
6. Answer: onboard.
Explanation: Onboard is a verb, meaning to bring someone new into a team or organization.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.