transport
B1Formal, Technical, Everyday
Definition
Meaning
To carry, move, or convey something or someone from one place to another.
To cause strong emotion, often delight or enchantment; also refers to the system or means of conveyance itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often implies movement over a distance and is more formal than 'carry'. As a mass noun ('transport'), it refers to the system. As a count noun (primarily UK), it can refer to a specific vehicle. The emotional sense is now literary/formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English uses 'transport' as an uncountable noun (system) AND a countable noun ('a troop transport'). US English overwhelmingly uses 'transportation' for the system noun, reserving 'transport' mainly for the verb or technical/military contexts.
Connotations
In the US, 'transport' as a noun can sound slightly technical or military. In the UK, 'transport' for the system is completely standard and neutral.
Frequency
Noun use is far more frequent in UK English. In US English, the verb is common, but 'transportation' is the default noun.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transport sb/sth from A to Btransport sth by air/road/seabe transported with joy (literary)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be transported back (in time)”
- “transport of delight”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Logistics: 'We need to transport the inventory to the new warehouse by Friday.'
Academic
Geography/Planning: 'The study examines the impact of urban transport policies on air quality.'
Everyday
UK: 'The public transport here is quite reliable.' US: 'I'll need transportation to the airport.'
Technical
Biology: 'The protein helps transport nutrients across the cell membrane.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The pipeline will transport gas from the North Sea.
- He was transported to a state of bliss by the music.
American English
- The company transports materials across the continent.
- The convicts were transported to a remote facility.
adverb
British English
- This product is not readily transportably packaged.
American English
- The device is designed to be easily transportable.
adjective
British English
- The transport sector faces new regulations.
- A transport café is popular with lorry drivers.
American English
- The transport plane landed on the airstrip.
- They reviewed the transport costs in the budget.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We can travel by public transport.
- Trucks transport food to the shops.
- The city's transport system is very efficient.
- How will you transport your furniture to the new flat?
- Investment in sustainable transport is crucial for reducing emissions.
- The novel transported me to another era with its vivid descriptions.
- The enzyme is responsible for transporting ions across the neural membrane.
- The logistics firm specialises in transporting hazardous materials under strict protocols.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPORT being played in a TRANSit van – you TRANSPORT the sports equipment.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS CHANGE OF LOCATION (physical), INTENSE EMOTION IS BEING MOVED (emotional).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'транспорт' as always meaning 'a vehicle'. In English, it's usually the uncountable system.
- Do not use 'transport' as a verb for short, casual carrying (e.g., 'I'll transport the books to your room'). Use 'bring' or 'take'.
- Beware of false friends: 'транспортировать' is more formal than its English counterpart 'transport' (verb).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'transportation' in UK contexts where 'transport' is standard (e.g., 'Minister for Transport', not '*Transportation').
- Overusing the verb for simple, everyday movement (e.g., '*I transported my lunch to work').
- Confusing 'transport' (system) with 'vehicle' or 'car'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'transport' used in a primarily British English sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In US English, 'transportation' is the standard noun for the system. In UK English, 'transport' is the standard noun, and 'transportation' is less common, often referring to the act or process. The verb is 'transport' in both.
Yes, but it's now a formal or literary usage, meaning 'to carry away with strong emotion' (e.g., 'She was transported with joy').
Yes, but it's specific. It usually means a vehicle used for carrying goods or soldiers (e.g., 'a military transport', 'a troop transport'). In general conversation, UK speakers might say 'What mode of transport will you use?'
It is neutral in formal and technical contexts (logistics, biology). In everyday speech for simple carrying, it can sound overly formal. Prefer 'take', 'carry', or 'move' for casual contexts.
Collections
Part of a collection
Transport
A2 · 48 words · Ways of getting from place to place.