用你的语言查看此页面

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

हिन्दी

A2 verb #21 最常用 12分钟阅读

sail

前21

At the A1 level, 'sail' is a simple action word. It means to go on water in a boat. You use it to talk about basic travel or fun activities. For example, 'I sail a boat' or 'The boat sails on the sea.' It is usually used with common words like 'boat,' 'water,' and 'sea.' At this level, students learn the literal meaning: moving across water. It is a regular verb, so the past tense is 'sailed.' You might see it in simple stories about holidays or trips to the beach. It's important to know that 'sail' is for boats, not for cars or bikes. You can also learn that a person who sails is a 'sailor.' The focus is on the physical movement and the basic vocabulary associated with the ocean and travel. Students should practice using it in short, simple sentences to describe what they see in pictures of the sea.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'sail' in more complete sentences with prepositions. You learn to say 'sail across the lake' or 'sail to an island.' You also understand that 'sail' can be used for large ships, not just small boats. At this level, you might encounter the word in travel brochures or simple news stories about ships. You start to see the difference between 'sailing' (the activity) and 'to sail' (the action). For example, 'I like sailing' versus 'We will sail tomorrow.' You also learn that 'sail' can describe the boat moving by itself, like 'The ship sails at 5 PM.' This is the level where you should be careful not to confuse 'sail' with 'sale.' You might also learn common phrases like 'go for a sail.' The context expands from just 'boats' to include 'holidays,' 'transportation,' and 'hobbies.' You can describe a simple journey from one place to another using 'sail from' and 'sail to.'

At the B1 level, you start to use 'sail' in more varied contexts, including some common idioms. You might hear 'sail through something,' which means to do it very easily. For example, 'She sailed through her driving test.' You also use 'sail' to describe the movement of things in the sky, like clouds or birds. This is a more descriptive and creative use of the word. You understand the transitive and intransitive uses more clearly. You can discuss the history of sailing or the importance of ships in trade. At this level, you can also use 'sail' in more complex tenses, like 'We had been sailing for three hours when the storm started.' You are expected to use the word with more specific nouns, such as 'yacht,' 'vessel,' or 'ferry.' You also begin to recognize the word in literature and more detailed travel writing. The focus shifts from just basic travel to the manner of movement and the ease of a process.

At the B2 level, you use 'sail' with a higher degree of precision and idiomatic range. You are familiar with phrases like 'sail close to the wind,' which means taking risks or being near the limit of what is allowed. You can use 'sail' to describe complex movements and can distinguish it from synonyms like 'cruise,' 'navigate,' or 'drift.' You might use it in formal reports about maritime logistics or in creative essays to set a mood. At this level, you understand the nuances of 'sailing' as a sport versus 'sailing' as a mode of transport. You can also use the word in the passive voice, like 'The ship was sailed by an experienced crew.' Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'set sail' or 'hoist the sails.' You are comfortable using 'sail' in metaphorical ways to describe business trends or personal achievements. The word becomes a tool for more sophisticated expression, allowing you to describe not just movement, but the quality and risk associated with that movement.

At the C1 level, your use of 'sail' is nuanced and contextually rich. You can use it in highly specialized maritime contexts or in complex literary metaphors. You understand the historical weight of the word and can use it to discuss the 'Age of Sail' or the evolution of naval technology. You are proficient in using nautical idioms in professional and social settings, such as 'smooth sailing' to describe a project without problems. You can use 'sail' to describe the movement of light, sound, or abstract concepts in poetic writing. For example, 'The melody sailed through the hall.' You also recognize the word in legal or technical documents related to shipping and maritime law. Your ability to switch between literal and figurative meanings is seamless. You can analyze how the word 'sail' contributes to the tone of a text, whether it's one of adventure, peace, or danger. At this level, you are expected to have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its various connotations in different English-speaking cultures.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'sail' and its entire semantic field. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from technical maritime engineering to high-level literary analysis. You are aware of rare and archaic uses of the word and can use them for specific stylistic effects. You can play with the word in puns, double meanings, and sophisticated wordplay. You understand how 'sail' functions in different registers, from the slang of modern sailors to the formal language of historical treaties. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'sailing' as a metaphor for the human condition—navigating the unknown, facing the elements, and seeking a destination. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use 'sail' to describe the most subtle movements and transitions, and you are fully aware of its evocative power in poetry and prose. At this level, the word is not just a verb but a versatile instrument for expressing complex ideas about movement, ease, risk, and discovery.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

sail 30秒了解

Sail is a verb that means to travel on water in a boat or ship, often using wind power.
It is also used metaphorically to describe moving smoothly or succeeding at a task with very little effort.
Commonly heard in travel, maritime, and everyday contexts, it is a regular verb (sail, sailed, sailed).
It is a homophone of 'sale', so be careful with spelling in written English to avoid confusion.

The verb sail is a foundational term in the English language, primarily describing the act of traveling across water in a vessel. While its literal origins are rooted in the use of wind-catching fabric to propel a boat, the modern usage has expanded to include any form of water-based travel, whether powered by wind, engines, or even the current. When you sail, you are not just moving; you are navigating an environment that is fluid and ever-changing. This word evokes a sense of adventure, exploration, and sometimes, a peaceful escape from the land-bound world.

Literal Movement: To move across the surface of the sea, a lake, or a river using a boat. This can refer to the person directing the boat or the boat itself moving through the water.

The explorers decided to sail across the Atlantic to find new trade routes.

Beyond the physical act of maritime travel, 'sail' is frequently used in metaphorical contexts. It often describes a smooth, effortless progression through a task or a period of time. For instance, if someone 'sails through an exam,' it implies they completed it with remarkable ease and confidence, much like a ship gliding over calm waters. This versatility makes the word essential for both literal descriptions of travel and figurative descriptions of life's journeys. In professional settings, 'sailing' might refer to the commencement of a project or the smooth operation of a department.

Professional Context: In the shipping and logistics industry, 'to sail' specifically refers to the departure of a cargo vessel from a port, marking the beginning of a transit phase.

The container ship is scheduled to sail from the Port of Singapore early tomorrow morning.

In everyday conversation, people use 'sail' to describe leisure activities. 'Going for a sail' is a common way to describe a recreational trip on a boat. It carries a connotation of relaxation and enjoyment of nature. The word also appears in many historical contexts, reminding us of the Age of Discovery when wooden ships were the only way to connect distant continents. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for both its technical maritime roots and its poetic ability to describe movement through life's challenges and triumphs.

We spent the entire afternoon watching the small yachts sail around the bay.

Metaphorical Ease: To move or progress in a smooth, easy, or confident manner, often overcoming obstacles without significant effort.

With her extensive preparation, she was able to sail through the interview process.

The ancient Vikings would sail their longships across the North Sea to reach England.

Using the verb sail correctly involves understanding its different grammatical structures. It can function as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't need a direct object, or as a transitive verb, where you specify what is being sailed. For example, 'The boat sails' is intransitive, while 'He sails the boat' is transitive. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the movement itself or the person controlling the vessel. Additionally, the prepositions used with 'sail' significantly change the meaning and context of the sentence.

Intransitive Use: Focuses on the subject's movement. Common with ships, boats, or people as subjects. Often followed by prepositional phrases indicating direction or destination.

The majestic cruise liner will sail from the harbor at sunset.

When using 'sail' to describe a journey, you often use prepositions like 'across', 'around', 'to', or 'from'. 'Sailing across' implies a complete crossing of a body of water, like an ocean or a large lake. 'Sailing around' can mean navigating the perimeter of an island or simply wandering without a specific destination. 'Sailing to' indicates a clear destination, while 'sailing from' marks the point of origin. These nuances are vital for clear communication in travel and adventure narratives.

Transitive Use: Focuses on the person operating the vessel. The object is usually the type of boat being controlled.

He learned how to sail a dinghy when he was only seven years old.

In more abstract or figurative sentences, 'sail' can describe the movement of things other than boats. Clouds can sail across the sky, or a bird can sail through the air. This usage emphasizes a smooth, gliding motion that appears effortless. It is a powerful descriptive tool in creative writing, allowing the author to imbue inanimate objects or animals with the grace of a ship on the water. This expansion of meaning shows how deeply the concept of sailing is embedded in the English-speaking consciousness.

White, fluffy clouds sail lazily across the bright blue summer sky.

Figurative Progression: Used to describe passing through a situation or achieving a goal with ease and without complications.

If you study hard, you will sail through your final examinations next month.

The frisbee began to sail over the heads of the children in the park.

The word sail is ubiquitous in various settings, ranging from coastal communities to corporate boardrooms. In coastal towns and cities with active harbors, you will hear it daily in the context of weather reports, shipping schedules, and recreational announcements. Sailors, fishermen, and port authorities use it as a technical term to describe the departure and movement of vessels. If you are near the ocean, you might hear someone say, 'The tide is right for us to sail,' or 'That yacht is sailing beautifully today.'

Travel and Tourism: Used extensively in brochures, websites, and announcements for cruises, ferry services, and boat rentals to describe the journey.

Welcome aboard! We are set to sail for the Caribbean islands in ten minutes.

In the world of literature and film, 'sail' is a staple of adventure stories. From the epic voyages of Homer's Odyssey to modern-day tales of solo circumnavigation, the word carries the weight of human ambition and the mystery of the sea. You will hear it in documentaries about marine life, history programs about the Age of Sail, and in news reports about international shipping lanes like the Suez Canal. It is a word that connects the modern world to its ancient maritime history, making it a powerful evocative tool for storytellers.

Idiomatic and Metaphorical Speech: Commonly heard in daily conversation to describe ease of progress or to use nautical metaphors for life situations.

Once we get the funding approved, the rest of the project should sail along smoothly.

In music and poetry, 'sail' is frequently used for its rhythmic quality and its romantic associations. Songs about leaving home, finding love, or seeking freedom often feature the act of sailing as a central theme. Whether it's a classic folk song or a modern pop hit, the imagery of sailing away remains a potent symbol of transition and new beginnings. You might also hear it in sports commentary, specifically during yachting races like the America's Cup, where technical terms related to sailing are used with high frequency and precision.

The commentator shouted as the lead boat began to sail past the final buoy toward the finish line.

Historical Narratives: Used in museums and history books to describe the movement of explorers, traders, and naval fleets throughout history.

Captain Cook was the first European to sail along the eastern coast of Australia.

The company is known to sail close to the wind when it comes to tax regulations.

While sail is a relatively simple verb, learners often encounter specific pitfalls. The most common error is confusing the verb 'sail' with the noun 'sale'. Although they are homophones—meaning they sound exactly the same—their meanings and spellings are entirely different. 'Sail' relates to boats and water travel, while 'sale' refers to the act of selling something or a period of reduced prices in a shop. Mixing these up in writing can lead to confusion, such as writing 'The boat is for sail' instead of 'The boat is for sale'.

Homophone Confusion: Confusing 'sail' (verb/noun for boats) with 'sale' (the act of selling). This is a frequent spelling error even for native speakers.

Incorrect: We are going to sale to the island. Correct: We are going to sail to the island.

Another common mistake involves the use of prepositions. Learners sometimes use 'in' when they should use 'on' or 'across'. For example, saying 'We sailed in the ocean' is grammatically acceptable but often less precise than 'We sailed across the ocean' or 'We sailed on the ocean'. 'Across' emphasizes the journey from one side to the other, while 'on' emphasizes the surface. Additionally, using 'sail' for vehicles that don't travel on water, like cars or trains, is incorrect unless used as a very specific (and rare) metaphor for smooth movement.

Misusing the Subject: Using 'sail' for land vehicles or airplanes. While 'glide' or 'cruise' might work, 'sail' is strictly for water vessels or metaphorical smooth movement.

Incorrect: The train sailed down the tracks. Correct: The train sped down the tracks.

Learners also struggle with the distinction between 'sailing' as a verb and 'sailing' as a noun/gerund. 'I am sailing' is the present continuous verb, but 'Sailing is my hobby' uses 'sailing' as a noun. Confusing these can lead to awkward sentence structures. Furthermore, the past tense 'sailed' is regular, but some learners mistakenly try to use irregular forms. Always remember: sail, sailed, sailed. Finally, avoid using 'sail' when you specifically mean 'row' or 'paddle', which involve manual labor rather than the use of wind or engines.

Incorrect: He sole the boat across the lake. Correct: He sailed the boat across the lake.

Confusing Power Sources: Using 'sail' for a rowing boat or a canoe. These are 'rowed' or 'paddled', not 'sailed', unless they have an actual sail attached.

Incorrect: We sailed the canoe using wooden oars. Correct: We rowed the canoe using wooden oars.

The children love to sail paper boats in the small puddles after the rain.

To enrich your vocabulary, it's helpful to understand words that are similar to sail but carry different nuances. While 'sail' is a general term for water travel, other verbs provide more specific information about the type of vessel, the speed of movement, or the purpose of the journey. Choosing the right word can make your descriptions more vivid and accurate. For example, 'cruise' implies a leisurely journey for pleasure, often on a large ship, while 'navigate' suggests a more technical or difficult process of finding a way through water.

Cruise vs. Sail: 'Cruise' is for pleasure and often involves multiple stops. 'Sail' is the general action of moving on water. You sail to a destination, but you cruise for the experience.

Instead of just sailing directly to the port, they decided to cruise around the Mediterranean for two weeks.

Other alternatives include 'voyage', 'navigate', and 'drift'. 'Voyage' is often used as a verb in a more formal or historical context, describing a long and significant journey. 'Navigate' focuses on the skill of steering and determining a course, especially through difficult waters or narrow channels. 'Drift' describes movement that is passive, carried by the current or wind without active steering or power. Each of these words offers a different perspective on the act of moving across water, allowing for greater precision in your writing and speech.

Navigate vs. Sail: 'Navigate' implies using maps, instruments, or stars to find a way. 'Sail' is the physical movement. You navigate a ship while you sail it.

The captain had to navigate carefully through the fog before they could safely sail into the harbor.

In metaphorical contexts, alternatives to 'sail' might include 'glide', 'breeze', or 'coast'. 'Glide' suggests a very smooth, silent movement. 'Breeze through' is a common idiom meaning to complete something very easily and quickly, similar to 'sail through'. 'Coast' implies moving without effort, often using momentum from a previous effort. Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repetition and allows you to match your word choice to the specific tone and meaning you wish to convey in any given situation.

She didn't just sail through the project; she breezed through it in record time.

Drift vs. Sail: 'Drift' is unintentional or uncontrolled movement. 'Sail' is intentional and directed movement. A boat with a broken engine will drift, not sail.

Without any wind, the small boat began to drift away from the shore.

The ancient mariners would voyage for months to reach unknown lands.

How Formal Is It?

正式

"The vessel is scheduled to sail for the port of Rotterdam at eighteen hundred hours."

中性

"We plan to sail to the islands during our summer vacation."

非正式

"Let's just sail out and see where the wind takes us."

Child friendly

"The little boat sails on the blue water. Splash, splash!"

俚语

"He's just sailing through life without a care in the world."

趣味小知识

The word has been part of the English language for over a thousand years, reflecting the deep maritime history of the British Isles.

发音指南

UK /seɪl/

US /seɪl/

The word has only one syllable, so the stress is on that single syllable.

押韵词

mail tail pale whale fail hail rail snail

常见错误

Pronouncing it like 'sell' (/sɛl/). Ensure the vowel is long (/eɪ/).
Confusing it with 'sale' in writing, though they sound the same.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end, making it sound like 'sail-uh'.
Making the 'l' sound too weak or silent.
Confusing the 'ai' sound with 'i' as in 'tile'.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts due to its common usage.

写作 3/5

The spelling can be confused with 'sale', requiring some care.

口语 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the long vowel sound is important.

听力 2/5

Generally easy to understand in context, despite homophones.

接下来学什么

前置知识

boat water sea travel move

接下来学习

navigate voyage cruise harbor captain

高级

circumnavigate maritime propulsion vessel nautical

需要掌握的语法

Regular Verb Conjugation

I sail, he sails, we sailed, they have sailed.

Prepositional Phrases for Direction

Sail across, sail to, sail from, sail around.

Gerunds as Subjects

Sailing is a very relaxing hobby.

Transitive vs. Intransitive Use

He sails the boat (transitive). The boat sails (intransitive).

Idiomatic Phrasal Verbs

Sail through, sail into, set sail.

按水平分级的例句

I want to sail a small boat.

Je veux naviguer sur un petit bateau.

Subject + want + to + verb (infinitive).

The ship sails on the sea.

Le navire navigue sur la mer.

Present simple for a general fact.

We sail every Saturday.

Nous naviguons tous les samedis.

Present simple for a habit.

Can you sail?

Sais-tu naviguer ?

Modal verb 'can' for ability.

The boat is sailing now.

Le bateau navigue en ce moment.

Present continuous for an action happening now.

He sailed to the island yesterday.

Il a navigué vers l'île hier.

Past simple for a finished action.

They like to sail together.

Ils aiment naviguer ensemble.

Verb + to + infinitive.

The white boat sails fast.

Le bateau blanc navigue vite.

Adjective 'white' and adverb 'fast'.

We plan to sail across the lake this summer.

Nous prévoyons de traverser le lac à la voile cet été.

Use of 'across' to show movement from one side to another.

The ferry sails from this port every hour.

Le ferry part de ce port toutes les heures.

Present simple for a schedule.

She learned to sail when she was a child.

Elle a appris à naviguer quand elle était enfant.

Past simple with a time clause.

It is too windy to sail today.

Il y a trop de vent pour naviguer aujourd'hui.

Too + adjective + to + verb.

They are sailing around the coast of Italy.

Ils naviguent autour des côtes de l'Italie.

Present continuous with 'around'.

Have you ever sailed on a large cruise ship?

As-tu déjà voyagé sur un grand paquebot ?

Present perfect for life experience.

The captain decided to sail south to avoid the storm.

Le capitaine a décidé de naviguer vers le sud pour éviter la tempête.

Infinitive of purpose 'to avoid'.

We watched the sunset as we sailed home.

Nous avons regardé le coucher du soleil pendant que nous rentrions en naviguant.

Past continuous in a time clause with 'as'.

He sailed through the exam without any difficulty.

Il a réussi l'examen sans aucune difficulté.

Idiomatic use of 'sail through' meaning to succeed easily.

The clouds sailed across the sky on the breeze.

Les nuages voguaient dans le ciel au gré de la brise.

Metaphorical use for objects in the air.

If the weather is good, we will set sail at dawn.

Si le temps est beau, nous prendrons la mer à l'aube.

First conditional with the phrase 'set sail'.

The yacht was sailing beautifully despite the rough waves.

Le yacht naviguait magnifiquement malgré les vagues agitées.

Past continuous with an adverb and 'despite'.

She has been sailing for over ten years now.

Elle navigue depuis plus de dix ans maintenant.

Present perfect continuous for a duration until now.

The paper boat sailed down the small stream.

Le bateau en papier descendait le petit ruisseau.

Descriptive use for small objects.

We need to sail carefully through these narrow channels.

Nous devons naviguer prudemment dans ces canaux étroits.

Need + to + verb + adverb.

The explorers sailed into the unknown with great courage.

Les explorateurs ont navigué vers l'inconnu avec un grand courage.

Past simple with a prepositional phrase.

The company is sailing close to the wind with its new tax strategy.

L'entreprise prend des risques avec sa nouvelle stratégie fiscale.

Idiom 'sail close to the wind' for taking risks.

By the time we arrived, the ship had already sailed.

Au moment où nous sommes arrivés, le navire était déjà parti.

Past perfect for an action completed before another past action.

The project sailed along once the initial problems were solved.

Le projet a bien avancé une fois les problèmes initiaux résolus.

Metaphorical use for smooth progress.

He spent the summer sailing his yacht around the Greek islands.

Il a passé l'été à naviguer sur son yacht autour des îles grecques.

Spend + time + -ing form.

The athlete sailed over the bar to win the gold medal.

L'athlète a franchi la barre pour remporter la médaille d'or.

Metaphorical use for physical movement over an obstacle.

We were sailing against the wind, which made the journey slow.

Nous naviguions contre le vent, ce qui a rendu le voyage lent.

Past continuous with a relative clause.

The ship is scheduled to sail for New York on Monday.

Le navire doit partir pour New York lundi.

Passive structure 'is scheduled to'.

She managed to sail through the interview despite her nerves.

Elle a réussi à passer l'entretien avec brio malgré son stress.

Manage + to + verb.

The diplomat had to sail through treacherous political waters.

Le diplomate a dû naviguer dans des eaux politiques troubles.

Metaphorical use for navigating difficult situations.

The majestic eagle sailed effortlessly on the thermal currents.

L'aigle majestueux planait sans effort sur les courants thermiques.

Descriptive use for birds and flight.

The economy is finally sailing into calmer waters after the recession.

L'économie entre enfin dans des eaux plus calmes après la récession.

Metaphorical use for a stabilizing situation.

They sailed past the competition with their innovative new product.

Ils ont devancé la concurrence avec leur nouveau produit innovant.

Metaphorical use for surpassing others.

The ancient mariners sailed by the stars to find their way home.

Les anciens marins naviguaient grâce aux étoiles pour retrouver leur chemin.

Use of 'by' to indicate the method of navigation.

The music sailed through the open window and into the garden.

La musique s'est envolée par la fenêtre ouverte jusque dans le jardin.

Poetic use for sound movement.

He was accused of sailing too close to the wind in his business dealings.

Il a été accusé de prendre trop de risques dans ses affaires.

Passive voice with an idiomatic expression.

The fleet sailed in perfect formation across the bay.

La flotte a navigué en formation parfaite à travers la baie.

Prepositional phrase 'in perfect formation'.

The author’s prose sails along with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality.

La prose de l'auteur coule avec une qualité rythmique, presque hypnotique.

Abstract metaphorical use for writing style.

In the twilight of his career, he sailed into a peaceful retirement.

Au crépuscule de sa carrière, il a entamé une retraite paisible.

Metaphorical use for a life transition.

The ship of state must sail through these turbulent times with a steady hand.

Le navire de l'État doit traverser ces temps turbulents d'une main ferme.

Political metaphor 'ship of state'.

Her voice sailed over the orchestra, reaching the very back of the hall.

Sa voix a survolé l'orchestre, atteignant le fond de la salle.

Metaphorical use for sound projection.

The discovery sailed past the peer review process with unanimous acclaim.

La découverte a passé le processus d'examen par les pairs avec un succès unanime.

Metaphorical use for academic success.

They sailed into the harbor of history as the first to achieve the feat.

Ils sont entrés dans l'histoire comme les premiers à avoir accompli cet exploit.

Metaphorical use for historical significance.

The conversation sailed from one topic to another without a single awkward pause.

La conversation a glissé d'un sujet à l'autre sans aucune pause gênante.

Metaphorical use for social interaction.

The vessel was sailed with such skill that it seemed to dance upon the waves.

Le navire était manœuvré avec une telle habileté qu'il semblait danser sur les vagues.

Passive voice with 'such... that' result clause.

常见搭配

sail across

sail around

set sail

sail through

sail into

sail home

sail away

sail solo

sail close

sail smoothly

常用短语

go for a sail

set sail for

sail the seven seas

sail under false colors

sail against the tide

sail into the sunset

sail a boat

sail past

sail the ocean

sail on

容易混淆的词

sail vs sale

A homophone meaning the act of selling something. 'The boat is for sale' vs 'We will sail the boat'.

sail vs sell

A verb meaning to exchange goods for money. It has a short 'e' sound, unlike the long 'a' in 'sail'.

sail vs seal

A noun for a sea animal or a verb meaning to close something tightly. It has a long 'e' sound.

习语与表达

"sail through"

To succeed in something very easily and without any problems. It is very common in educational and professional contexts.

She sailed through the interview and got the job immediately.

informal/neutral

"sail close to the wind"

To take risks or to act in a way that is almost illegal or unacceptable. It comes from sailing as close to the wind's direction as possible.

The company is sailing close to the wind with its aggressive marketing tactics.

neutral

"smooth sailing"

A situation where everything is going well and there are no problems or difficulties. It is used for projects, relationships, and events.

Once we finished the first phase, it was smooth sailing for the rest of the project.

informal/neutral

"clear sailing"

Similar to smooth sailing, it means there are no obstacles in your way. It implies a clear path to success.

With the main competitor out of the way, it should be clear sailing for our product.

informal/neutral

"that ship has sailed"

An opportunity has already passed and it is too late to do anything about it. It is a very common way to express regret or finality.

I wanted to apply for the job, but that ship has sailed; the deadline was yesterday.

informal

"sail into someone"

To attack someone verbally or criticize them very strongly. It is a more aggressive use of the word.

The boss really sailed into him for being late to the meeting.

informal

"plain sailing"

Another variation of smooth sailing, meaning easy and without complications. It is very common in British English.

The exam was plain sailing for anyone who had studied the textbook.

neutral

"trim your sails"

To adjust your plans or behavior to suit new conditions, especially when things are difficult. It comes from adjusting sails for the wind.

We need to trim our sails and reduce spending if we want the company to survive.

neutral

"take the wind out of someone's sails"

To make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic, often by saying or doing something unexpected.

Her criticism really took the wind out of his sails just before his presentation.

informal/neutral

"in the same boat"

While not using 'sail' as a verb, this related idiom means being in the same difficult situation as someone else.

We are all in the same boat, so we should help each other through this crisis.

informal

容易混淆

sail vs cruise

Both involve traveling on water.

Sailing is the general action, while cruising is specifically for pleasure and often involves a large ship with many amenities.

You sail to get somewhere; you cruise to enjoy the journey.

sail vs navigate

Both relate to directing a ship.

Navigating is the technical skill of finding the way using tools, while sailing is the physical act of moving the boat.

The captain navigates the ship while the crew sails it.

sail vs row

Both involve moving a boat.

Rowing uses oars and human power, while sailing uses wind or an engine.

We rowed the small boat because there was no wind to sail.

sail vs drift

Both involve movement on water.

Drifting is uncontrolled and passive, while sailing is controlled and intentional.

Without a rudder, the boat will just drift instead of sailing.

sail vs float

Both involve staying on top of water.

Floating is just staying on the surface, while sailing involves moving across it.

A log can float, but it cannot sail.

句型

I like to sail.

I like to sail in the summer.

The [boat] sails to [place].

The ferry sails to the island every day.

She sailed through the [task].

She sailed through the math test.

By the time [event], the ship had sailed.

By the time I got there, the ship had sailed.

The [object] sailed across the [area].

The eagle sailed across the mountain range.

To sail close to the wind.

He is known for sailing close to the wind in his legal career.

We are going for a sail.

We are going for a sail on Sunday.

The clouds are sailing by.

The clouds are sailing by on this windy day.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

High, especially in travel and metaphorical contexts.

常见错误

Writing 'for sail' instead of 'for sale'. → The boat is for sale.
This is a common spelling error because the words sound the same. 'Sale' is for selling, 'sail' is for boats.
Using 'sail' for a car. → The car drove down the road.
'Sail' is specifically for water travel. Use 'drive', 'speed', or 'glide' for land vehicles.
Saying 'He sole the boat'. → He sailed the boat.
'Sail' is a regular verb. The past tense is 'sailed', not 'sole' or 'sold'.
Using 'sail' for rowing. → We rowed the boat across the lake.
Rowing uses oars and human power. Sailing uses wind or an engine. Don't mix them up.
Saying 'sail in the ocean' when you mean 'across'. → We sailed across the ocean.
'Across' is more precise when you are traveling from one side to the other. 'In' just means you are there.

小贴士

Use 'across' for oceans

When talking about traveling from one side of an ocean or lake to the other, 'sail across' is the most natural and common prepositional phrase.

Metaphorical Ease

Remember 'sail through' for exams or interviews. It's a great way to describe doing something very easily in your writing and speaking.

Sail vs. Sale

Always double-check your spelling. If it's about a boat, it's 'sail'. If it's about money or shops, it's 'sale'.

Natural Phrasing

Use 'go for a sail' instead of 'go sailing' when you mean a short, casual trip. It sounds more like a native speaker.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'sail' many times, try synonyms like 'cruise', 'navigate', or 'voyage' to make your writing more interesting.

Nautical Idioms

English has many idioms from sailing. Learning them will help you understand native speakers in business and social situations.

Long Vowel Sound

Make sure the 'a' in 'sail' is long. If it's too short, it might sound like 'sell', which is a different word.

Transitive Use

You can 'sail a boat' (transitive) or the 'boat can sail' (intransitive). Both are correct depending on what you want to focus on.

Visual Association

Imagine a boat with a big white sail to remember the word. The visual image will help you recall the meaning quickly.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of the 'i' in 'sail' as an 'island' you are traveling to. 'S-A-I-L' takes you to the 'I-sland'.

视觉联想

Imagine a bright white triangle (the sail) on a blue background (the sea). The triangle is moving forward, cutting through the water.

Word Web

boat ocean wind captain voyage water journey adventure

挑战

Try to use the verb 'sail' in three different ways today: once for a boat, once for a cloud, and once for an easy task.

词源

The word 'sail' comes from the Old English 'seglian', which means to travel in a ship or to provide a ship with a sail. It is related to the Middle Dutch 'seilen' and the Old High German 'seglōn'.

原始含义： The original meaning was specifically focused on the use of a sail (the cloth) to move a boat through the water.

Germanic

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'sailing' can sometimes carry connotations of privilege in certain social contexts.

In English-speaking countries, sailing is both a popular sport and a common theme in folk and pop music.

The song 'Sailing' by Christopher Cross. The 'Age of Sail' in historical studies. The America's Cup, the world's most famous sailing race.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Travel and Tourism

sail to the islands
go for a sail
luxury sailing trip
sail across the bay

Education and Exams

sail through the test
sail through the course
sail through the interview
sail through with ease

Maritime Industry

vessel sails at noon
sail from the port
sail under a flag
scheduled to sail

Nature and Weather

clouds sail across
birds sail through the air
sail with the wind
sail against the current

Sports and Hobbies

learn to sail
sailing competition
sail a yacht
solo sailing

对话开场白

"Have you ever sailed on a boat before?"

"If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

"Do you think it's difficult to learn how to sail?"

"Have you ever sailed through a difficult situation in your life?"

"Would you prefer to sail on a small boat or a large cruise ship?"

日记主题

Describe a time when you felt like you were sailing through a task. What made it so easy?

Imagine you are sailing across the ocean alone. What do you see and how do you feel?

Write about a famous explorer who sailed to a new land. What challenges did they face?

If you had a boat, what would you name it and where would you sail it first?

Discuss the metaphorical meaning of 'sailing into the sunset'. What does it mean to you?

常见问题

10 个问题

It is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle are both 'sailed'. For example, 'He sailed the boat yesterday' and 'He has sailed many times before'.

They are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different meanings. 'Sail' is about boats and water travel, while 'sale' is about selling things or discounted prices in shops.

Generally, no. 'Sail' is for water vessels. However, you can use it metaphorically to describe a car moving very smoothly, but this is less common than using words like 'glide' or 'cruise'.

It is an idiom that means to complete a task, like an exam or an interview, very easily and successfully without any major problems.

It means to begin a journey on a boat or ship. It is a very common phrase used to mark the start of a voyage.

Yes, as a noun, 'a sail' is the large piece of fabric used to catch the wind and move a boat.

A sailor is a person who works on a ship or boat, or someone who enjoys the hobby of sailing.

It is pronounced /seɪl/, with a long 'a' sound like in 'day' or 'cake'. It rhymes with 'mail' and 'tail'.

It means to take a risk or to do something that is very close to being illegal or unacceptable. It's a common idiom in business and politics.

Only metaphorically, if you want to describe someone moving very smoothly and quickly, but it would sound a bit unusual. Usually, you sail across water.