Questions :boats, planes etc...
I've learned that we can row or sail a boat.

Row = with oars
Sail = with sails.

But if you 'drive' an engineered boat (without sails or oars) what verb do you use?

2- Do you 'fly' a plane?

3- Could you say: Let's go to sleep or Let's go sleep ?

4- If you're sick and suddenly you cough, do you say : Ohhh you cough... or Ohhhh you're coughing...

Question

Questions :boats, planes etc...
I've learned that we can row or sail a boat.

Row = with oars 
Sail = with sails.

But if you 'drive' an engineered boat (without sails or oars) what verb do you use?

2- Do you 'fly' a plane?

3- Could you say: Let's go to sleep or Let's go sleep ?

4- If you're sick and suddenly you cough, do you say : Ohhh you cough... or Ohhhh you're coughing...

Answer

There are a few answers to this that can be acceptably used.

In a small craft, "to steer" or "to drive" the boat are acceptable.

In a large craft, the verb "to pilot" the ship is normally used.

Answer

1. It's possible to use 'sail'. The dictionary definition of the transitive use of the verb 'sail' is : "to control a ship or boat (especially one that has sails) while traveling on water". Especially, but not necessarily with sails.

You could also use 'steer', or the more nautical term to 'helm'.

2. Yes.

3. 'Let's go to sleep' is standard English. 'Let's go + verb in base form' is only used in informal American English.

4. The rule is the same as for any temporary action at the time of speaking - you use the present continuous.

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!