A skyline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A skyline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the outline or shape of a city or landscape as seen against the sky, often in the context of architecture or scenery. Example: "The skyline of New York City is iconic, featuring towering skyscrapers and unique architectural designs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A skyline query retrieves sets of non-dominated data points in a multi-dimensional dataset.

Journal of Systems and Software

A skyline query identifies a set of non-dominated data records in a multidimensional dataset.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

A skyline where form no longer follows function, but where change of use might confer beauty.

The Guardian

A skyline view of the patella was used to assess the PF joint status.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

A Skyline human ZG protein spectral library was generated to facilitate the development of SRM transitions.

Biophysics Reports

A skyline plot created from the dated sequences suggests that the effective population of HEV in Nanjing increased slightly more than 1 log.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

I want a skyline!

The Guardian - Travel

Call it "Nude Descending a Skyline".

The New York Times - Arts

"We don't have a skyline like Manhattan's".

The New York Times

Behind them were rows of cowboy hats, like a skyline.

The New Yorker

There's a skyline in Shanghai unlike any I've seen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A skyline" to describe the outline of a city or landscape against the sky, especially when emphasizing its architectural features or visual impact.

Common error

Avoid using "A skyline" as a verb. It is primarily a noun phrase. For example, instead of saying 'The building skylines the horizon', use 'The building dominates the skyline'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "A skyline" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing a visual feature, consistent with its noun function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "A skyline" is a noun phrase used to describe the outline of a city or landscape against the sky. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science, and its register is generally neutral. While interchangeable with terms like "cityscape" or "urban horizon", each carries subtle differences in connotation. When writing, ensure "A skyline" is used as a noun and not mistaken for a verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

City skyline

Specifies the skyline is of a city, adding context.

Urban skyline

Similar to 'city skyline', emphasizes the urban aspect.

Cityscape

Refers to the overall view or appearance of a city.

The urban horizon

Combines the ideas of the city with the horizon.

The horizon

Focuses on the line where the sky meets the land, a broader term.

Profile of a city

Emphasizes the silhouette or outline of the city's buildings.

Outline of buildings

Describes the shape created by buildings against the sky.

The architectural silhouette

Focuses on the architectural aspects of the skyline.

Building tops

Highlights the upper parts of the buildings that make up the skyline.

The distant view of buildings

Describes the appearance of buildings from afar.

FAQs

How can I use "A skyline" in a sentence?

You can use "A skyline" to describe the outline of buildings, mountains, or other structures seen against the sky. For example, "The city is famous for its impressive "city skyline"".

What's the difference between "A skyline" and "A cityscape"?

"A skyline" specifically refers to the outline of structures against the sky, whereas "A cityscape" is a broader term referring to the overall visual appearance of a city.

Which is more appropriate: "A skyline" or "The skyline"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the skyline" is more appropriate when referring to a specific, already identified skyline. "A skyline" is better when referring to skylines in general or introducing a skyline for the first time.

What can I say instead of "A skyline"?

Alternatives include "cityscape", "urban horizon", or "silhouette of buildings", depending on the context.