B1 Noun (plural) / Verb (third-person singular) #50 가장 일반적인 12분 분량
At the A1 level, the word 'ships' is introduced as a simple plural noun. Students learn that a 'ship' is a very big boat that travels on the ocean. They might see pictures of ships in books about travel or history. At this stage, the focus is on the physical object. A1 learners should be able to identify a ship and use the word in basic sentences like 'I see two ships.' They do not need to worry about the verb meanings or the slang usage yet. The goal is simply to recognize 'ships' as the plural form of 'ship' and understand its basic meaning as a large water vehicle. They might learn it alongside other transport words like 'car,' 'bus,' and 'plane.' It is a concrete noun that is easy to visualize and remember.
At the A2 level, learners begin to see 'ships' in more descriptive contexts. They might read about 'cruise ships' or 'cargo ships' in simple texts about vacations or trade. They also start to encounter 'ships' as a verb in the third-person singular, particularly in the context of buying things. For example, 'The shop ships the book to my house.' A2 students should understand that 'ships' can mean 'sends' when talking about packages. They are also introduced to basic collocations like 'sailing ships' or 'war ships.' The distinction between 'ship' and 'boat' might be mentioned, but the primary focus remains on functional communication in everyday situations like shopping or describing a scene at a harbor.
At the B1 level, students should have a solid grasp of both the noun and verb forms of 'ships.' They are expected to use the word in more complex sentences and understand its role in logistics and global trade. B1 learners will encounter 'ships' in news articles about the economy or environmental issues related to the ocean. They should also be aware of the double 'p' in 'shipped' and 'shipping.' This is the level where the slang meaning might be introduced as a cultural curiosity, especially for students interested in social media. B1 learners should be able to explain the difference between a ship and a boat and use 'ships' correctly in a variety of tenses and grammatical structures, such as 'The company has been shipping goods for years.'
At the B2 level, the use of 'ships' becomes more nuanced. Learners are expected to understand metaphorical uses and more technical maritime terminology. They should be comfortable with 'ships' in academic or professional contexts, such as 'The treaty governs how the nation ships hazardous materials.' B2 students should also be very familiar with the slang usage and be able to use it correctly in informal conversations. They can distinguish between different types of ships (e.g., tankers, frigates, trawlers) and understand the historical significance of shipping in world history. Their vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'vessels' or 'dispatches' to avoid repetition and match the appropriate register of the situation.
At the C1 level, 'ships' is used with high precision and awareness of register. C1 learners can navigate the complexities of the word's various meanings effortlessly. They understand the etymological roots and how the word has evolved from a purely maritime term to a digital slang verb. They can use 'ships' in idiomatic expressions and understand subtle connotations. For instance, they might analyze how the word 'ships' is used in literature to symbolize journey or transition. In professional settings, they use 'ships' to discuss complex logistical chains. In social contexts, they can discuss the 'shipping' culture of fandoms with a deep understanding of the social dynamics involved. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.
At the C2 level, the mastery of 'ships' is complete. The learner understands every possible shade of meaning, from the most technical maritime engineering context to the most obscure internet subculture. They can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific imagery or in high-level academic discourse about international law and the sea. They are aware of the word's history, its role in the development of the English language, and its modern transformations. A C2 speaker can play with the word's multiple meanings for humor or rhetorical effect. They are also experts in the various collocations and idioms associated with 'ships,' using them naturally and correctly in any given context, whether formal, informal, or highly specialized.

ships 30초 만에

  • Ships are large ocean-going vessels used for transport, trade, or military purposes.
  • As a verb, 'ships' means the act of sending goods or packages to a destination.
  • In modern slang, 'ships' refers to supporting a romantic relationship between two people.
  • It is a common word in maritime, logistical, and social media contexts.

The word ships is a versatile English term that functions primarily as a plural noun or a third-person singular verb. In its most common noun form, it refers to large seafaring vessels that navigate deep waters, distinguishing themselves from smaller boats by their size, weight, and capacity for long-distance travel. Historically, ships have been the backbone of global exploration, trade, and warfare, evolving from wooden sailing vessels to massive steel container ships and luxury liners. When used as a verb, 'ships' is the present tense form of 'to ship,' which traditionally means the act of transporting goods via water, though in modern logistics, it encompasses transport by air, rail, or road as well. In contemporary digital culture, particularly within fandoms, 'ships' has taken on a slang meaning where it describes the act of a person supporting or desiring a romantic relationship between two characters or real-life individuals. This multifaceted nature makes 'ships' a critical word for learners to master across various contexts.

Maritime Context
In maritime terminology, ships are large vessels used for oceanic navigation. They are categorized by their purpose, such as cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships, and naval warships. The distinction between a boat and a ship is often summarized by the old adage: 'A ship can carry a boat, but a boat cannot carry a ship.'

The harbor was filled with massive cargo ships waiting to unload their containers from overseas.

Logistics and E-commerce
In the world of business, 'ships' is a verb indicating that a product has left the warehouse. When a company 'ships' an order, they are initiating the delivery process to the customer. This is a standard term in online shopping notifications.

Amazon ships millions of packages every single day to customers around the globe.

Fandom Slang
Derived from the word 'relationship,' this slang verb describes the act of rooting for two people to be together. If a fan 'ships' two characters, they believe they have romantic chemistry and want to see them in a relationship within the story's canon.

The entire internet ships the two lead actors because of their incredible on-screen chemistry.

Ancient ships relied on wind and oars to navigate the treacherous Mediterranean waters.

When the manufacturer ships the replacement part, you will receive a tracking number via email.

Understanding 'ships' requires recognizing the context of the sentence. If the topic is the ocean, it's likely the plural noun. If the topic is shopping or logistics, it's the verb for sending. If the topic is a TV show or a movie, it's likely the slang verb for romantic pairings. This versatility is a hallmark of English vocabulary where a single word can span technical, commercial, and social domains effortlessly. In academic writing, 'ships' almost exclusively refers to maritime vessels or the logistical process of distribution. In casual conversation, however, the slang meaning is increasingly prevalent. For a B1 learner, distinguishing between the physical vessel and the action of sending is the primary goal, while the slang usage serves as an excellent way to connect with modern English-speaking culture.

Using 'ships' correctly depends on whether you are using it as a noun or a verb. As a plural noun, 'ships' follows standard English pluralization rules. It is a countable noun, meaning you can have one ship or many ships. When using it as a verb in the third-person singular (he, she, it), it follows the present simple tense rules. For example, 'The company (it) ships.' In the slang context, it functions as a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object—the two people being 'shipped.' Mastery of this word involves understanding these grammatical shifts and applying them to the appropriate subject-verb agreement patterns.

Noun Usage: Plural Objects
When referring to multiple vessels, 'ships' acts as the subject or object of the sentence. It often appears with adjectives describing size, origin, or function.

Many cruise ships are now equipped with environmentally friendly engines to reduce pollution.

Verb Usage: Commercial Shipping
In a business context, 'ships' describes the action of a seller sending a product. It is usually paired with a singular corporate entity or a person.

The factory ships its products directly to retailers to save on distribution costs.

The navy ships its personnel to various international bases throughout the year.

Verb Usage: Slang/Fandom
In casual digital discourse, 'ships' connects a subject (the fan) with the object (the couple). It is often used in the present tense to describe an ongoing preference.

Every fan of the series ships the protagonist with her best friend, despite the writer's objections.

The store ships internationally, but the delivery fees are quite high for overseas customers.

During the storm, several ships were forced to remain in the harbor for safety.

When constructing sentences, pay close attention to the subject. If the subject is plural (e.g., 'The ships...'), the word is a noun. If the subject is singular (e.g., 'The company ships...'), it is a verb. This distinction is vital for maintaining correct grammar. Furthermore, in the maritime sense, 'ships' can be modified by a variety of nouns to create compound terms like 'battleships,' 'starships,' or 'friendships' (though 'friendship' is an abstract noun, 'starships' follows the vessel pattern). In modern usage, the verb form 'ships' is increasingly common in automated emails from online retailers, making it a word you will see frequently in your inbox. Practice using 'ships' in both its physical and action-oriented senses to become more fluent in both everyday and professional English.

The word ships is ubiquitous in several distinct environments. You will hear it in news reports about global trade, in the logistics department of any major corporation, and in the vibrant, fast-paced world of social media fandoms. In a maritime or historical context, 'ships' is the standard term for large vessels, appearing in documentaries about the Titanic or the age of exploration. In the modern economy, 'ships' is a functional verb used by customer service representatives and automated systems to update consumers on their purchases. Finally, in the digital age, 'ships' has become a cornerstone of how people talk about their favorite fictional stories, making it a word that bridges the gap between the physical world of heavy machinery and the abstract world of emotional investment.

In News and Economics
Journalists often use 'ships' when discussing supply chain issues, port congestion, or international trade agreements. It is a key term in reporting on the global economy.

Economic analysts are concerned that the delay in unloading cargo ships will lead to price increases.

In Online Shopping
When you buy something online, you will likely see the word 'ships' in your confirmation email. It tells you when the item is leaving the warehouse.

The website states that the item usually ships within twenty-four hours of the order being placed.

The navy ships supplies to the remote island every month to support the local research station.

In Pop Culture and Fandoms
If you browse fan forums or social media, you will see 'ships' used to describe romantic pairings. This is a very common way for fans to express their engagement with a story.

She ships them so hard that she even wrote a fifty-page fan fiction about their wedding.

Old wooden ships were often decorated with intricate carvings on their bows.

The company ships its software updates automatically to all users on Tuesday mornings.

Whether you are listening to a podcast about the history of the British Navy or reading a tweet about the latest Marvel movie, 'ships' is a word that will frequently appear. Its meaning is usually clear from the surrounding words. In professional settings, it is a dry, functional term. In fan communities, it is an emotionally charged verb. In historical contexts, it is a noun representing human ingenuity and exploration. By paying attention to these different environments, you can develop a nuanced understanding of how English speakers use the same word to describe very different concepts. This ability to code-switch between technical, commercial, and social meanings is a key indicator of advanced language proficiency.

While 'ships' is a relatively simple word, learners often encounter pitfalls regarding its grammar, pronunciation, and slang usage. The most frequent error involves subject-verb agreement when using 'ships' as a verb. Because 'ships' ends in an 's', some learners mistake it for a plural noun when it is actually a singular verb form. Another common mistake is the confusion between 'ships' and 'boats'. While often used interchangeably in casual speech, they have specific technical differences that matter in professional maritime contexts. Additionally, using the slang version of 'ships' in a formal or academic setting can be seen as inappropriate or confusing to those who are not familiar with internet culture.

Subject-Verb Agreement
Learners often forget to add the 's' for singular subjects or add it to plural subjects. Remember: 'The company ships' (singular) vs. 'The companies ship' (plural).

Incorrect: The companies ships the goods by sea.

Correct: The companies ship the goods by sea.

Ship vs. Boat
A common mistake is calling a massive ocean liner a 'boat'. While not grammatically wrong, it is technically inaccurate. Ships are large; boats are small.

Technically, you shouldn't call those massive container ships 'boats' because they are too large.

Incorrect: He shipes the package tomorrow.

Correct: He ships the package tomorrow.

Register Misuse
Using 'ships' to describe a romantic pairing in a business meeting or a formal essay is a mistake in register. Keep the slang for casual conversations.

In a formal analysis of the novel, avoid saying 'The reader ships the characters'; instead, use 'The reader supports the romantic union of the characters.'

The merchant ships exotic spices from the East to the West every spring.

Many historical ships were lost at sea due to lack of accurate navigation tools.

To avoid these mistakes, always identify the part of speech first. If it's a verb, check the subject for singular or plural status. If it's a noun, consider the scale of the vessel you are describing. Be mindful of the 'sheep' vs. 'ship' vowel distinction, as this is a classic hurdle for English learners. Finally, treat the slang usage as a specialized tool—useful in the right social context but potentially confusing in a professional one. By being conscious of these nuances, you can use 'ships' with the precision of a native speaker, whether you are talking about global logistics, maritime history, or your favorite TV show couple.

The word ships has several synonyms and alternatives depending on the context. In the maritime sense, words like 'vessels,' 'craft,' and 'liners' offer more specific or formal ways to describe waterborne transport. In the logistical sense, verbs like 'sends,' 'dispatches,' or 'transports' can replace 'ships' to provide variety or precision. In the slang context, phrases like 'roots for,' 'supports the pairing of,' or 'stans' (another slang term) might be used. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your language to the specific situation and avoid repetitive word choice.

Ships vs. Vessels
'Vessels' is a more formal and technical term often used in legal or official maritime documents. 'Ships' is the more common, everyday term.

The port authority monitors all ships (or vessels) entering the territorial waters.

Ships vs. Boats
As mentioned before, size is the key difference. A 'boat' is generally smaller and used for shorter distances, while 'ships' are for the open ocean.

Fishermen use small boats near the coast, but the deep-sea trawlers are considered ships.

The warehouse ships (or dispatches) the orders as soon as payment is confirmed.

Ships vs. Transports
'Transports' is a broader verb that covers any method of moving goods, whereas 'ships' historically implies water but now includes all e-commerce delivery.

The logistics firm ships (or transports) heavy machinery across the continent.

The internet ships (or stans) the new celebrity couple with incredible fervor.

Modern ships use satellite technology to navigate through dense fog and storms.

Choosing the right alternative depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. If you are writing a technical report, 'vessels' is your best bet. If you are chatting with friends about a TV show, 'ships' is perfect. If you are describing a business process, 'dispatches' or 'ships' are both acceptable, though 'ships' is more common in e-commerce. By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'ships,' you can become a more flexible and expressive communicator. This variety not only makes your writing more interesting but also ensures that you are using the most precise word for the situation at hand, which is a hallmark of high-level language use.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The slang use of 'ship' (from relationship) only started in the mid-1990s with fans of the TV show 'The X-Files'.

발음 가이드

UK /ʃɪps/
US /ʃɪps/
Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.
라임이 맞는 단어
lips tips dips chips slips grips trips whips
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it like 'sheeps' (long /iː/).
  • Not pronouncing the 's' at the end clearly.
  • Confusing the 'sh' sound with 's' (sips).
  • Over-emphasizing the 'p' sound.
  • Dropping the 'p' sound entirely.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

쓰기 3/5

Requires correct subject-verb agreement.

말하기 3/5

Vowel sound can be tricky for some learners.

듣기 2/5

Clear sound, but context is needed for meaning.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

boat sea send water big

다음에 배울 것

vessel logistics maritime transport relationship

고급

navigation archipelago consignment fandom canon

알아야 할 문법

Third-person singular 's'

He ships the box.

Plural nouns

The ships are large.

Doubling consonants in suffixes

Ship -> Shipped (not shiped).

Compound nouns

Cargo ships, cruise ships.

Transitive verbs

She ships the characters.

수준별 예문

1

The big ships are in the water.

Las grandes embarcaciones están en el agua.

Plural noun 'ships'.

2

I like to see the ships.

Me gusta ver los barcos.

Object of the verb 'see'.

3

Three ships are near the land.

Tres barcos están cerca de la tierra.

Number + plural noun.

4

The ships are white and blue.

Los barcos son blancos y azules.

Subject with 'are'.

5

Where are the ships?

¿Dónde están los barcos?

Question form with 'are'.

6

He has many toy ships.

Él tiene muchos barcos de juguete.

Plural noun modified by 'toy'.

7

The ships go to the sea.

Los barcos van al mar.

Present simple with plural subject.

8

Look at those ships!

¡Mira esos barcos!

Imperative sentence.

1

The company ships the order today.

La empresa envía el pedido hoy.

Third-person singular verb 'ships'.

2

Many cruise ships visit this island.

Muchos cruceros visitan esta isla.

Compound noun 'cruise ships'.

3

She ships the package to her friend.

Ella envía el paquete a su amigo.

Verb 'ships' with an object.

4

The harbor has space for ten ships.

El puerto tiene espacio para diez barcos.

Plural noun after a number.

5

He ships old books to collectors.

Él envía libros viejos a coleccionistas.

Verb 'ships' in a habitual context.

6

Are these ships from Spain?

¿Son estos barcos de España?

Interrogative with 'these'.

7

The store ships for free.

La tienda hace envíos gratis.

Intransitive use of the verb 'ships'.

8

We saw many fishing ships.

Vimos muchos barcos de pesca.

Adjective 'fishing' + noun 'ships'.

1

The factory ships its products worldwide.

La fábrica envía sus productos a todo el mundo.

Verb 'ships' with an adverbial.

2

Large cargo ships carry thousands of containers.

Los grandes cargueros transportan miles de contenedores.

Plural noun as a subject.

3

He ships the items as soon as they are ready.

Él envía los artículos tan pronto como están listos.

Verb 'ships' in a conditional-like time clause.

4

Modern ships use GPS for navigation.

Los barcos modernos usan GPS para la navegación.

Plural noun with a general statement.

5

The website ships to over fifty countries.

El sitio web realiza envíos a más de cincuenta países.

Singular subject 'website' + 'ships'.

6

I wonder if she ships those two characters.

Me pregunto si ella apoya la relación de esos dos personajes.

Slang verb 'ships'.

7

The navy ships its sailors to the base.

La marina envía a sus marineros a la base.

Verb 'ships' meaning to transport people.

8

Several ships were damaged in the storm.

Varios barcos resultaron dañados en la tormenta.

Passive voice with plural noun.

1

The logistical firm ships heavy machinery across the ocean.

La empresa logística envía maquinaria pesada a través del océano.

Formal verb usage.

2

Historical ships like the Mayflower are very famous.

Barcos históricos como el Mayflower son muy famosos.

Noun with specific examples.

3

She ships them because they have great chemistry.

Ella los apoya como pareja porque tienen una gran química.

Slang usage with a reason clause.

4

The port is deep enough for the largest ships.

El puerto es lo suficientemente profundo para los barcos más grandes.

Superlative adjective + noun.

5

The manufacturer ships the replacement part immediately.

El fabricante envía la pieza de repuesto de inmediato.

Professional verb usage.

6

Many ghost ships have been found drifting in the Atlantic.

Se han encontrado muchos barcos fantasma a la deriva en el Atlántico.

Compound noun 'ghost ships'.

7

The government ships aid to the disaster zone.

El gobierno envía ayuda a la zona del desastre.

Verb 'ships' in a humanitarian context.

8

He ships the software updates every Tuesday.

Él lanza las actualizaciones de software cada martes.

Metaphorical verb usage in tech.

1

The fleet of ships dominated the horizon during the sunset.

La flota de barcos dominaba el horizonte durante el atardecer.

Collective noun 'fleet' + 'of ships'.

2

The company ships its hazardous waste to a specialized facility.

La empresa envía sus residuos peligrosos a una instalación especializada.

Technical verb usage.

3

The fandom ships the rivals as a form of 'enemies to lovers' trope.

El fandom apoya la relación de los rivales como una forma del tropo 'de enemigos a amantes'.

Advanced slang usage with literary terms.

4

Ancient ships were often the only link between civilizations.

Los barcos antiguos eran a menudo el único vínculo entre civilizaciones.

Historical noun usage.

5

The retailer ships the delicate glassware with extra padding.

El minorista envía la cristalería delicada con acolchado adicional.

Precise verb usage with descriptive objects.

6

Submarines are technically ships that can travel underwater.

Los submarinos son técnicamente barcos que pueden viajar bajo el agua.

Defining a sub-category of ships.

7

The author ships her own characters in the sequel.

La autora apoya la relación de sus propios personajes en la secuela.

Slang used in a literary context.

8

The treaty ensures that no nation ships weapons to the rebels.

El tratado garantiza que ninguna nación envíe armas a los rebeldes.

Formal/Political verb usage.

1

The majestic ships sailed through the fjords with effortless grace.

Los majestuosos barcos navegaron por los fiordos con una gracia sin esfuerzo.

Literary noun usage.

2

The logistics giant ships millions of tons of grain annually.

El gigante de la logística envía millones de toneladas de grano anualmente.

Industrial/Economic verb usage.

3

She ships them so fervently that she runs a dedicated blog for the pair.

Ella los apoya con tanto fervor que dirige un blog dedicado a la pareja.

Intense slang usage with adverbial modification.

4

The decommissioned ships were left to rust in the ship graveyard.

Los barcos fuera de servicio fueron dejados oxidarse en el cementerio de barcos.

Noun usage in a melancholic context.

5

The developer ships the final build of the game to the publishers.

El desarrollador envía la versión final del juego a los editores.

Professional tech jargon.

6

Whether the public ships the royal couple is a matter of intense debate.

Si el público apoya a la pareja real es un tema de intenso debate.

Slang used in a sociological context.

7

The merchant ships were the lifeblood of the empire's economy.

Los barcos mercantes eran el alma de la economía del imperio.

Metaphorical noun usage.

8

The company ships its proprietary technology under strict security.

La empresa envía su tecnología patentada bajo estricta seguridad.

High-level corporate verb usage.

자주 쓰는 조합

cargo ships
cruise ships
ships internationally
sailing ships
merchant ships
ships for free
war ships
ships out
ghost ships
ships the order

자주 쓰는 구문

Loose lips sink ships

— Warning that talking too much can cause big problems. It originated in WWII.

Don't tell anyone about the surprise party; remember, loose lips sink ships!

Ships in the night

— Two people who meet briefly and then go their separate ways. Often used for missed connections.

We were like ships in the night, meeting for only an hour at the airport.

When my ship comes in

— When I become wealthy or successful. It refers to waiting for a profitable cargo.

When my ship comes in, I'm going to buy a house by the beach.

Abandon ship

— To leave a failing situation or organization quickly. Originally a maritime command.

The project was failing, so the investors decided to abandon ship.

Run a tight ship

— To manage an organization or household very strictly and efficiently.

The new manager runs a tight ship, and no one is ever late.

Shape up or ship out

— Improve your performance or leave the organization. A very blunt ultimatum.

The coach told the player to shape up or ship out before the next game.

All hands on deck

— Everyone needs to help with a difficult task. Refers to the entire crew of a ship.

It's the last day of the sale, so it's all hands on deck in the store.

Steady as she goes

— Continue at the same pace and direction without making sudden changes.

The business is growing slowly but surely; steady as she goes.

In the same boat

— In the same difficult situation as others. While it uses 'boat', it's related to the maritime theme.

We all lost our jobs, so we are all in the same boat.

That ship has sailed

— The opportunity has already passed and it is too late to do anything about it.

I wanted to apply for the job, but that ship has sailed.

자주 혼동되는 단어

ships vs sheeps

Learners often confuse the short 'i' in ships with the long 'ee' in sheep. Also, 'sheep' is the same in singular and plural.

ships vs boats

While similar, ships are much larger and designed for the open ocean, whereas boats are smaller.

ships vs sips

The 'sh' sound in ships is different from the 's' sound in sips (drinking slowly).

관용어 및 표현

"To ship a couple"

— To support or desire a romantic relationship between two people.

I really ship those two; they would be perfect together.

slang
"To ship out"

— To depart, especially for military service or a long journey.

The troops will ship out at dawn.

neutral
"A sinking ship"

— An organization or situation that is failing and cannot be saved.

Many employees are leaving the company because it's a sinking ship.

neutral
"To jump ship"

— To leave a job or a cause, especially when things are going badly.

He decided to jump ship and join a rival company.

informal
"To burn one's ships"

— To do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous state.

By quitting his job before finding a new one, he burned his ships.

literary
"Don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar"

— Don't ruin a big project by trying to save a small amount of money.

Buy the high-quality paint; don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar.

idiomatic
"Like a ship without a rudder"

— Lacking direction or purpose.

Without a clear leader, the committee was like a ship without a rudder.

metaphorical
"To take something on board"

— To accept or consider a new idea or piece of information.

The boss took my suggestions on board for the new project.

neutral
"To weather the storm"

— To survive a difficult period or situation.

The company managed to weather the storm during the recession.

neutral
"Clear the decks"

— To prepare for an event by getting rid of everything that is not needed.

We need to clear the decks before we start the new project.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

ships vs sheep

Similar sound.

A sheep is an animal; a ship is a vessel. Sheep has a long 'ee' sound; ship has a short 'i' sound.

The ships carry sheep to the other island.

ships vs shipment

Same root.

Shipment is the noun for the goods being sent; ships is the verb for the action or the plural noun for the vessels.

The company ships the shipment tomorrow.

ships vs shipping

Gerund form.

Shipping is the general process; ships is the specific action for a singular subject.

Shipping is expensive, but the store ships for free.

ships vs chips

Rhyming sound.

Chips are food (potatoes); ships are vessels. The starting sound 'ch' vs 'sh' is the key.

He ate chips while watching the ships.

ships vs sips

Similar sound.

Sips is a verb for drinking; ships is for vessels or sending. The 'sh' vs 's' is the key.

She sips her tea as the ships sail by.

문장 패턴

A1

The [Noun] are [Adjective].

The ships are big.

A2

The [Subject] ships the [Object].

The store ships the book.

B1

There are many [Adjective] ships in the [Location].

There are many cargo ships in the harbor.

B2

He ships [Person A] and [Person B] because [Reason].

He ships Harry and Hermione because they are friends.

C1

The fleet of ships [Verb] across the [Location].

The fleet of ships sailed across the Atlantic.

C2

The logistical efficiency with which the company ships [Noun] is [Adjective].

The logistical efficiency with which the company ships goods is remarkable.

B1

If the company ships it today, it will arrive tomorrow.

If the company ships it today, it will arrive tomorrow.

A2

Do they have any ships?

Do they have any ships?

어휘 가족

명사

ship
shipping
shipment
shipper
shipyard

동사

ship
shipped
shipping

형용사

shippable
shipshape

관련

boat
vessel
navy
maritime
logistics

사용법

frequency

Very high in both noun and verb forms.

자주 하는 실수
  • The companies ships the products. The companies ship the products.

    With a plural subject (companies), the verb should not have an 's'.

  • I saw three sheeps in the water. I saw three ships in the water.

    Sheep are animals; ships are vessels. Also, the plural of sheep is just sheep.

  • The store shiped my order. The store shipped my order.

    You must double the 'p' when adding -ed to 'ship'.

  • He ships to me a gift. He ships a gift to me.

    The direct object (gift) should usually come before the indirect object (to me).

  • I ship that they are happy. I ship them.

    In slang, 'ship' is usually followed directly by the people being paired.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Remember: 'The ship (1) sails' but 'The ships (2+) sail'. As a verb: 'The company ships' but 'The companies ship'.

Short Vowel

Keep the 'i' in ships very short. If you make it long, it sounds like 'sheeps', which are animals.

Ship vs Boat

A good rule of thumb: A ship can carry a boat, but a boat cannot carry a ship. Use 'ships' for the big ones.

Internet Culture

If you see 'I ship them' on social media, it's not about transport! It means the person wants them to date.

Double the P

When you change 'ship' to 'shipped' or 'shipping', always use two 'p's. But 'ships' only has one.

Business English

In business, 'ships' is almost always a verb meaning 'to send an order'. It's very common in e-commerce.

Look for Clues

If you see 'harbor' or 'ocean', 'ships' is a noun. If you see 'order' or 'customer', 'ships' is a verb.

Loose Lips

The phrase 'loose lips sink ships' is a great way to remember that small mistakes can lead to big disasters.

Variety

In a long essay, try using 'vessels' or 'craft' as synonyms for 'ships' to make your writing more interesting.

Final S

The 's' at the end of 'ships' is always unvoiced /s/, never a /z/ sound. Practice saying it clearly.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Ships' as 'S'ending 'H'eavy 'I'tems 'P'ast 'S'eas.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant metal box (container) being lifted onto a massive boat in the ocean.

Word Web

Ocean Cargo Delivery Sailor Anchor Harbor Package Relationship

챌린지

Try to write a sentence using 'ships' as a noun and 'ships' as a verb in the same paragraph.

어원

The word 'ship' comes from the Old English 'scip', which is of Germanic origin. It has been used for over a thousand years to describe large watercraft. The verb form 'to ship' originally meant to put something onto a ship for transport.

원래 의미: A large sea-going vessel.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

No major sensitivities, but be careful using the slang version in professional settings.

The UK's history as an island nation makes 'ships' a very common part of its historical and cultural identity.

The Titanic (the most famous of all ships) The Mayflower (the ship that brought pilgrims to America) The 'Shipping Forecast' on BBC Radio 4

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Maritime Trade

  • cargo ships
  • shipping lanes
  • port of call
  • vessel tracking

E-commerce

  • free shipping
  • ships worldwide
  • ships in 24 hours
  • shipping address

Fandom/Social Media

  • I ship it
  • OTP (One True Pairing)
  • shipping wars
  • fan fiction

Military

  • war ships
  • ships out to sea
  • naval fleet
  • battleships

History

  • sailing ships
  • age of discovery
  • merchant ships
  • shipwreck

대화 시작하기

"Have you ever been on one of those huge cruise ships?"

"Which company do you think ships packages the fastest?"

"Do you ship any characters from the show we watched yesterday?"

"Why do you think ancient ships were so much smaller than modern ones?"

"If you could travel on any of the historical ships, which one would it be?"

일기 주제

Describe a scene in a busy harbor filled with different types of ships.

Write about a time you waited for a company to ship something you really wanted.

Explain why people 'ship' fictional characters and why it's so popular online.

Imagine you are a sailor on one of the first ships to cross the ocean. What do you see?

Discuss the environmental impact of large cargo ships on our oceans today.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Technically, yes. In the navy, submarines are often referred to as 'boats', but by definition, they are a type of specialized ship designed for underwater travel.

It is slang for supporting a romantic relationship between two people or characters. It comes from the word 'relationship'.

Historically, most long-distance trade was done by sea. The term 'shipping' stuck even when we started using planes and trucks.

Usually, no. 'Ships' implies a large vessel. Using it for a small rowboat would sound strange to a native speaker.

As a noun, yes. As a verb, it is the singular form used with he, she, or it (e.g., 'He ships the box').

'Vessel' is more formal and can include anything from a small boat to a large ship. 'Ship' specifically refers to large ones.

The past tense is 'shipped', with two 'p's. This is a common spelling rule for short vowel words ending in a consonant.

Yes, in the sense of transporting them (e.g., 'The navy ships the soldiers') or in the slang sense of romantic pairings.

These are ships found at sea with no living crew on board. They are often the subject of legends and mystery stories.

Yes, it is extremely common in daily life, business, and online culture. It is a core part of the English vocabulary.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'ships' as a plural noun.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'ships' as a verb for an online store.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Explain the difference between a ship and a boat in two sentences.

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writing

Use the slang meaning of 'ships' in a sentence about a TV show.

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writing

Write a short paragraph about a busy harbor using the word 'ships' twice.

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writing

Describe a 'ghost ship' using at least three adjectives.

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writing

Use the idiom 'loose lips sink ships' in a short dialogue.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about international trade using the word 'ships'.

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writing

Explain why a company might 'ship' its products by air instead of by sea.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'ships' as a verb with a singular subject.

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writing

Describe a cruise ship using the word 'majestic'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a historical ship like the Mayflower.

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writing

Use the phrase 'abandon ship' in a metaphorical way.

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writing

Write a sentence about a navy that 'ships' its sailors.

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writing

Explain the slang term 'shipping war' in your own words.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'ships' and 'internationally'.

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writing

Describe the sound of the word 'ships' compared to 'sheeps'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'sinking ship' (metaphorical).

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writing

Use 'ships' in a sentence about global logistics.

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writing

Write a creative story opening that mentions 'three black ships'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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speaking

Say 'The ships are in the harbor' three times clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain what a cargo ship does in your own words.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a character pairing you 'ship' and why.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'ships' and 'sheeps' and explain the difference.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell a short story about a ship in a storm.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the idiom 'loose lips sink ships' to a friend.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of cruise ships.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How does an online store ship a package to you?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe the most famous ship you know.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

What would you do if you had to 'abandon ship'?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about the importance of ships in world history.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'ships' (noun) and 'ships' (verb).

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Do you think 'shipping' characters is a good thing for a story?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a 'ghost ship' and why it's scary.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How do modern ships navigate today?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use 'ships' in a sentence about a navy.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

What does 'shape up or ship out' mean in a job?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell me about a time you waited for something to ship.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe the visual of many ships on the horizon.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Why is the word 'ships' used for software updates?

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen for the word 'ships' in a news report about trade.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify if 'ships' is a noun or a verb in this sentence: 'The store ships daily.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for the difference between 'ship' and 'sheep' in a recording.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to a fan talking about 'shipping' and identify the couple.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the number of ships mentioned in a short story.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for the idiom 'loose lips sink ships' in a movie clip.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Determine the context of 'ships' in a logistics podcast.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to a description of a harbor and count the ships.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the verb 'ships' in an automated phone message.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'ships' used in a historical documentary.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Distinguish between 'ships' and 'sips' in a pronunciation exercise.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for the word 'ships' in a song about the sea.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the tone of someone who 'ships' a couple.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'ships' in a weather report for sailors.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'ships' in a conversation about a failing project.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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