Should You Say Onboard or On Board? When to Use Each One?

If you have ever boarded a ship, then you must have asked yourself, should you say “onboard” or “on board?” When to use each one would most likely have even crossed your mind if you are curious about using English words.

“Onboard” acts as an adjective and means something integral or attached to another thing. It also functions as a verb to convey the training of new employees. On the other hand, “on board” functions as a prepositional phrase or an adverb in sentences and means to be in a ship, present, or agreement.

Well, the fact is that beyond this, you have still got a little more things to learn. Still, there is no need for anyone to be confused. In this article, we will consider when and how to use both words properly in a sentence. We will also produce some examples along the way to help us understand.

When to and How to Use the Word “Onboard” in a Sentence

First, we will begin with the correct usage of the word “onboard” in a sentence. However, to fully grasp this word’s use, we must understand the meaning and nature of the word.

So, what does the word “onboard” convey in a sentence, and what form or function does it perform in one?

The word “onboard” can perform two functions in a sentence. Precisely, it can function as a verb or as an adjective in a sentence. In turn, the meaning it conveys and how it functions usually depends on the form you opt for.

When it comes to using the word “onboard” as an adjective, it functions to qualify a noun in a sentence. That is, it provides a description of the subject or object in a sentence. Now, as regards the description that it provides, it conveys that something is integral or attached.

Note that using the word “onboard” as an adjective is mostly related to vehicles’ equipment. For example, an onboard radio is one that is installed into a vessel or vehicle. Now, here are some examples that will offer clarity to the use of the word.

1. Mary has decided to get a new car, and she is very particular about a car with an onboard GPS.
2. There is no doubt that vehicles with onboard navigation systems offer a wide range of functionality that you simply cannot miss out on.
3. It is quite exhilarating the skill that Arthur demonstrates when fixing onboard communication systems in vehicles.
4. Hopefully, the programmers used the onboard computer systems as it will enable them to get their works completed faster.
5. You should take some time to check Tyler’s new computer system; it has an onboard dedicated graphics system for games.

As you can see through the various examples highlighted above, the word “onboard” modifies nouns such as “navigation system.” “computer system,” and “communication systems.” It describes the nature of these systems as having been installed directly into their respective vessels or vehicle.

Like we earlier stated, the word “onboard” can function as a verb in a sentence. As you already know, when it comes to verbs, they function as action words within a sentence. Precisely, they depict that a subject is performing an action, or an object is receiving an action.

Now, when you use the word “onboard” as a verb, the meaning it conveys relates to hiring and then training recent addition to a team. Typically, the word is conjugated to take the present participle form “onboarding.” In turn, it is this form that you will find to be mostly used in sentences.

So, you can use the word “onboard” when you want to describe the process of bringing in new employees and training them. Although, keep in mind that in most cases, you will need to conjugate the word “onboarding” when using it in a sentence.

Now, here are some examples that clearly illustrate the use of the word.

1. Over the years, the role of the human relations department has been expanded to cater to new employees, including their onboarding process.
2. We need a considerable number of human relations representatives to onboard our new employees and introduce them to life at our company.
3. Take your time before resuming because when it is time to onboard, you must be prepared for an intensive experience that will push you beyond your limits.
4. You should be proud that your onboarding process will align with the best practices in the industry following our new change of leadership at the HR level.
5. As a representative of the human relations department, my job is to onboard every new employee and prepare them for a rewarding time with us.

As you can see, in the examples above, the use of the word “onboard” conveys that someone intends to train a group of people to adapt to a new workplace environment.

When to and How to Use the Word “On Board” in a Sentence

We will now shift our attention to when and how to use the word “on board” in a sentence. When discussing the use of the word “onboard,” we rightly stated that a proper understanding of their usage depends on their meaning and nature. After all, you can only use a verb in a sentence to depict an action rather than as the subject doing an action.

So, what does the word “on board” mean, and what form does it take in a sentence?

Generally, the word “on board” signifies to be in agreement or present. It can also mean to be on a ship. In its usage as being in a ship, this is the most literal usage of the word.

Typically, when it comes to the form that the word takes in a sentence, the word “on board” can function as either an adverb or a prepositional phrase. In the case of an adverb, it functions to modify an adjective or the verb. On the other hand, as a prepositional phrase, it shows the direction or position of someone or something.

Here are some examples that will help you understand the use of the word “on board” in a sentence.

1. While we were on board the plane, we were informed to refrain from some actions, including smoking cigarettes on the plane.
2. I find myself having issues getting on board a ship, and this is thanks to my fear that I might get seasick and embarrass myself in public.
3. If you find yourself onboard the Wayfarer, you can check the rear end of the ship for an inscription I made there when I boarded the ship at eight.
4. I will most likely find myself on board an airplane in the coming weeks if my application for the fellowship is successful, and I am invited to the gala.
5. There is no need for you to go onboard the ship to get across to him; thanks to mobile phones, you can now do that from the comfort of your room.

When it comes to the use of the word “on board,” one way to get the hang of it is to consider it as a synonym of the word “aboard.” The word “aboard” easily conveys the intended meaning. For instance, you can take it to mean someone is on a ship.

The only difference is that its usage is quite fluid in various instances. Also, it is somewhat simpler and shorter. Clear right?

Understanding the Difference Between “Onboard” and “On Board”

Now, we have spent time explaining the meaning of both words and the function it performs in a sentence. If you have taken time to run through the article like we trust you have, then things should be much clearer.

However, there is still the need to identify the difference when writing. This is where remembering comes in. You need to remember when to use “on board” and when to use “onboard.” We understand the challenge that this might pose. So, we have got a little trick that can help you with this.

When it comes to using the word “onboard,” remember that it can function as an adjective and a verb. So, you use it when you intend to convey an action or modify a noun. Where your use does not achieve any of this, you can tell you are not using the word rightly.

On the other hand, the word “on board” is an adverb or a prepositional phrase. In turn, you will find yourself using it after a verb in a sentence. In a case where it does not take this form, then you might want to cross-check that you are using the word properly.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether you should say “onboard” or “onboard’ comes with its fair share of challenges for most people. This is because the words, although look similar, convey different meanings and perform diverse functions in a sentence. But you already know that, and you are looking for answers.

Well, that is what we have provided in this article. We have explained the proper way to use each word and backed it up with examples. So, go on, enjoy learning, and stay informed.