Difference between Aboard and Onboard

Aboard and Onboard both are words used in terms of vehicles and transportation. Both words are being used with different meanings. If interchanged while using creates a wrong meaning. In this article, we will discuss the meaning and usage of aboard and onboard. The key differences between both along with the examples. Understanding the proper difference between both words can help to communicate without any grammatical mistakes.

Aboard and Onboard

Aboard

Aboard is defined as a word that describes the entry of a person or group of people into a vehicle. It describes if the person went into the vehicle or not. Aboard word describes the location of a person whether inside or outside of the vehicle. It is being used to describe the position of a living being. Grammatically aboard is used as an adverb or a preposition. 

Example 

” The captain of the team welcomed all aboard.“

Onboard

Onboard is defined as the word that describes any situation where the person or a thing is already in the passenger vehicle. Onboard is used to describe a presence of a person/group of people or a thing. It can describe the presence of a living as well as a non-living being. Grammatically onboard can be used as an adjective, while using it in sentences. 

Example: 

“He brought a new car that had an onboard music player.”

Difference between aboard and onboard

Parameter	Aboard	Onboard
Definition	Aboard is used to describe the entry of a person or a thing into a vehicle such as a railway, airplane, or ship.	Onboard is used to describe the situation that the person or a thing is already in a vehicle such as an airplane, ship, or railway.
Feature	Aboard describes the location of a person or a thing in a vehicle.  It describes whether the person had entered the vehicle or not.	Onboard describes the inclusion of a person or a thing in a vehicle. It describes if the person is already in the vehicle or outside the vehicle.
Grammatical Category	Grammatically aboard can be used as an adverb or a preposition when used in a sentence.	Grammatically onboard can be used as an adjective when used in a sentence.
Figurative  Meaning	Aboard is used in a figurative sense.  Aboard words can be used to create more imaginative and special effects, rather than using only basic meanings.	Onboard cannot be used in a figurative sense. onboard can be used only with its basic meaning, rather than used in a more imaginative way.
Human Presence	Aboard is mostly used to indicate human presence.  It mainly describes the presence of a human rather than a non-living thing.	Onboard is used to indicate both human as well as nonliving thing presence.
Examples	1. The passengers of the plane must be aboard before the departure.  2. Family members said goodbye to him when he aboard the train for Chennai.  3. It took more than two hours to aboard all the passengers into the plane.	1. The new software and sensors were installed onboard the plane.  2. There is a need to onboard the safety machines on the train as early as possible.  3. The passengers were onboard successfully in the given time.

Conclusion

As explained in the above content, aboard and onboard both are used in the context of transportation and vehicles, but both words have specific differences. aboard is used in the context of entry into a vehicle whereas onboard is used to describe the presence of human or non-living beings within a vehicle. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does onboard mean?

Onboard is defined as a presence of a person or a thing into the the vehicle. 

What does aboard mean?

Aboard is defined as a entry of person or group of people into the vehicle. 

How aboard and onboard can be used grammatically? 

Aboard can be used as an adverb or preposition, whereas onboard can be used an an adjective while using it in the sentence. 

Can aboard and onboard be used for context other than travel and vehicle?

Yes, Aboard and onboard can be used for other context too as an adjective, adverb or preposition.