When visiting an area that is next to the sea, we commonly use the expression “go to the coast” (with the article “the”).
When visiting an area that is next to the sea, we commonly use the expression “go to the coast” (with the article “the”).
Would you like to go to the coast next week?
The phrases “go to the coast” and “go to the beach” are often, but not always, interchangeable.
Last weekend she went to the coast/beach with her friends.
1. Do You Need the Article ‘The’ Before Coast?
We use the phrase “go to the coast” to mention the area where the land meets the sea.
I went to the coast last summer.
Include the article “the” even if you are using this word in a general sense.
Going to the coast is my favorite activity.
Do you like going to the coast?
Follow the same convention of adding the definite article with other related expressions, such as “visit the coast”, “explore the coast”, “enjoy the coast”, etc.
Guests can explore the coast by boat.
Enjoy the coast safely and stay away from cliff edges.
But no article is included when using the plural form (coasts) to express a general idea or thought.
Rocky coasts are the most common type of coastline.
Omit also the article when using the expression “coast to coast”.
I’d like to travel from coast to coast this summer.
2. Go to the Coast vs. Go to the Beach
Some people use the words coast and beach interchangeably.
Alice went to the beach/coast with her family.
Be aware, however, that both terms are not always interchangeable.
A coast is not always a beach (e.g., a cliff).
We went to the coast and enjoyed a beautiful sunset that could be seen from the cliff.
And a beach is not always a coast. Beaches are not exclusive to the sea since they are also found by lakes and alongside large rivers.
