Should you use the phrase “welcome aboard” or “welcome on board” when you’re welcoming someone new to your team?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, and you can use them interchangeably. However, there are a few nuances you might want to consider when deciding which one to use, such as how formal or informal the situation is.
Read on to learn the difference between “welcome aboard” vs “welcome on board” and when you should use each phrase.
Welcome Aboard Meaning
“Welcome aboard” is a greeting used by service industry members on planes, trains, and boats.
For example, a flight attendant might say, “Welcome aboard” when you walk onto a plane. It means the same thing as “Welcome to the flight” or “I’m glad you chose to fly with us.”
The term “welcome aboard” originated in the early 1800s, when commercial passenger ships became more common. The captain would shout “all aboard” to let the passengers know they could board the ship.
Nowadays, you can also use “welcome aboard” in contexts outside of commercial travel, whenever you’re welcoming someone new into your group or organization.
In business, you might use this phrase to give a warm welcome to a new colleague. Here, “welcome aboard” means the same thing as “Welcome to the team” or “I’m glad you’re joining the team.”
Outside of professional settings, you can also use this phrase in a social context if you’re bringing a new member into a casual organization or social club. In these scenarios, “welcome aboard” means the same thing as “We’re happy to have you in our club.”
When to Use Welcome Aboard
If you’re a service worker on a commercial vessel, you can use “welcome aboard” when greeting passengers.
In business and social contexts, you can use “welcome aboard” if someone new is joining your team and you want to make them feel at home. For example, you might say it on a colleague’s first day, or when you accept someone into your club.
You can also use “welcome aboard” in a casual and joking way. For example, if one of your friends used to have a different opinion, but now agrees with you, you can say “welcome aboard” to indicate you’re now on the same metaphorical team.
“Welcome aboard” is a more common and casual phrase than “welcome on board,” so it’s often a safer option if you’re deciding between the two.
Welcome On Board Meaning
“Welcome on board” means the same thing as “welcome aboard.” The two phrases can be used interchangeably.
Just like “welcome aboard,” service industry members often use “welcome on board” when they’re welcoming passengers onto a vessel.
The phrase can also be used when you’re welcoming someone to your team at work or to a social organization.
The only difference between the two expressions is that “welcome on board” is slightly more formal than “welcome aboard.” It carries a slightly more ceremonial tone, rather than a casual and friendly one.
As a result, it’s more common to use “welcome aboard” rather than “welcome on board” when you’re speaking to friends, family members, and colleagues.
When to Use Welcome On Board
You can use “welcome on board” in the same situations you would use “welcome aboard.” However, it’s important to keep in mind that “welcome on board” carries a more formal tone. As a result, it might be more appropriate for a written communication, such as an email or informational packet.
Examples of Welcome Aboard in Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use “welcome aboard” in a sentence if you’re talking about a vessel:
- Welcome aboard the ship. We expect to reach San Francisco in about eight hours.
- Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard. Thank you for choosing to fly with our airline.
- Welcome aboard the Peregrine. Captain Charles, at your service.
- Enjoy your flight, and welcome aboard.
- It’s our pleasure to welcome you aboard our flight to New York City.
And here are some examples of how to use “welcome aboard” in a sentence if you’re in a business or social context:
- I’m really glad you decided to join the team. We think you’ll be a wonderful addition to our company. Welcome aboard!
- My sisters and I agreed that you’d be a great fit for our book club. Welcome aboard.
- Please join me in welcoming Rachel aboard. I’m sure she’ll be a great addition to our team.
- I really like my new team at work! On my first day, everyone welcomed me aboard.
- The whole team baked you a cake to welcome you aboard.
Examples of Welcome On Board in Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use “welcome on board” in a sentence if you’re talking about a plane, boat, or train:
- Welcome on board. We hope you have a safe and pleasant trip.
- It’s our pleasure to welcome you on board the aircraft.
- This is your captain speaking. Welcome on board.
- Hello passengers, and welcome on board. Please find your seats and make yourselves comfortable.
- Welcome on board, and thank you for flying with our airline.
And here are some examples of how to use “welcome on board” in business:
- We’re excited to welcome you on board our team. HR will make sure you have all the necessary training materials.
- Welcome on board. I hope you will enjoy the work we do here.
- Let’s have a round of applause to welcome Catherine on board.
- You passed your interview with flying colors. Welcome on board!
- Let us know if you have any questions, and once again, welcome on board.
Welcome Aboard Synonyms
There are many other ways to say “welcome aboard” or “welcome on board.” Here are some common substitute phrases:
- We’re happy to have you
- We’re glad you’re joining the team
- Welcome to our team
- Welcome to the club
If you’re trying to choose the perfect wording, ProWritingAid’s Word Explorer can help you find synonyms for welcome aboard to mix this phrase up.
Welcome Aboard vs Welcome On Board Conclusion
Now you know the difference between “welcome aboard” vs “welcome on board.” Ultimately, these two phrases are so similar that you can use them both in the same way.
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