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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Outside the building
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "outside the building" is correct and usable in written English
It is generally used to describe the physical environment or location of an object or person outside or near the building, typically one in which the speaker is inside. Example sentence: We watched in awe as the fireworks bursted in the night sky outside the building.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Outside, the building had a slightly art moderne cast.
News & Media
Outside, the building was blue and silver steel.
News & Media
From the outside the building looks brand new.
News & Media
From the outside, the building is very understated.
News & Media
As we headed outside, the building had emptied out.
News & Media
Two military vehicles parked outside the building.
News & Media
Outside the building, predictions vary wildly.
News & Media
There is no sign outside the building.
News & Media
The key was moved outside the building.
News & Media
The pen was found outside the building.
News & Media
There were often armed men milling outside the building.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When describing a scene, use "outside the building" to set the physical context before introducing specific details about the surroundings or actions taking place.
⚠ Common error
Ensure you're using "outside the building" to denote a location and not "out of the building" to describe someone exiting the building. The first describes location; the second describes action.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "outside the building" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate location. It specifies where an action takes place or where something is situated, as seen in Ludwig's examples such as "People stood outside the building quietly" or "The pen was found outside the building."
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
52%
Science
23%
Wiki
13%
⚠ Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "outside the building" functions as a prepositional phrase primarily used to specify a location external to a building. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It is observed across a range of sources, including News & Media and Science. It's crucial to use "outside the building" to denote location, distinguishing it from "out of the building," which describes movement. Mastering this distinction can improve clarity in writing. Related phrases can provide alternatives, but maintain the core meaning.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
exterior of the building
Replaces "outside" with "exterior," focusing on the architectural aspect.
surrounding the building
Emphasizes the area or environment around the building.
grounds of the building
Highlights the property or land associated with the building.
in front of the building
Specifies a location directly facing the building's entrance.
adjacent to the building
Indicates something located next to or nearby the building.
near the building
Provides a general sense of proximity to the building.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "outside the building" in a sentence?
You can use "outside the building" to describe a location or events occurring in the vicinity of a building. For example, "The protesters gathered "outside the building"." or "Outside the building, the weather was stormy."
What are some alternatives to "outside the building"?
Some alternatives include "exterior of the building", "surrounding the building", or "grounds of the building", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "on the outside of the building" instead of "outside the building"?
While "on the outside of the building" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""outside the building"" is more concise and commonly used. The former emphasizes being physically attached to the exterior, while the latter describes the general area external to the structure.
What's the difference between "outside the building" and "out of the building"?
"Outside the building" refers to a location. For example, "The car is parked "outside the building"." "Out of the building" indicates movement from within the building to the exterior. For example, "The employees ran "out of the building" during the fire drill."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested