Adult bookstore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Adult bookstore" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a retail establishment that sells books and other materials intended for an adult audience, often including erotic or explicit content. Example: "She decided to visit the adult bookstore to find some new reading material for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We're not an adult bookstore".

The New York Times

(The adult bookstore across the street was unscathed).

The New York Times

Supermarket, supermarket, adult bookstore, supermarket, supermarket, firing range".

The New Yorker

The atmosphere was very much like an adult bookstore: nobody wanted to be recognized.

The New York Times

"The concept is to take the adult bookstore and turn it into Saks Fifth Avenue," he said.

The New York Times

He now plays in a lounge band in San Diego and clerks the overnight shift at an adult bookstore.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Some morphed into low-rent adult bookstores or churches catering to immigrants.

The Washington Post

The Internet, which in effect brings the world's adult bookstores and video shops to home computers, is following the same pattern.

The Economist

They picked up one guy and made a porno video of him that they then tried to sell to adult bookstores and make a lot of money.

The New York Times

Newspaper advertisements denounced him as a "raving homophobe," bent on closing sex clubs and adult bookstores where the disease could be spread.

The New York Times

Early efforts to suppress the American child-porn trade — a small network of adult bookstores and mail-order services — were so successful that within a decade the market was all but nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about zoning laws or regulations, use "Adult bookstore" as a neutral term to avoid bias. For instance, "The city council debated zoning restrictions on adult bookstores".

Common error

Avoid using "Adult bookstore" when referring to a general bookstore. Ensure the context clearly indicates the business sells adult-oriented materials. For example, instead of "She went to the bookstore", specify "She went to the adult bookstore".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Adult bookstore" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of retail establishment. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a place of business. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Adult bookstore" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a retail establishment selling adult-oriented materials. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its primary function is to inform or describe, and it's used in a neutral register across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While related phrases like "erotic bookstore" or "sex shop" exist, "Adult bookstore" serves as a standard and recognizable term. When using the term, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the business to avoid confusion with general bookstores.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Erotic bookstore

Replaces "adult" with "erotic", focusing on the type of content sold.

Sex shop

Uses a more direct term to describe the nature of the business.

Pornography shop

Specifically indicates the sale of pornography.

Adult video store

Highlights the sale of adult videos as a primary product.

Sexually oriented business

A more formal and legal term for establishments of this nature.

Adult entertainment store

Emphasizes the entertainment aspect of the products sold.

XXX store

Uses a common abbreviation for adult content.

Porn shop

Shortened and more colloquial term.

Adult novelty store

Highlights the sale of novelty items intended for adults.

Red-light bookstore

Refers to the historical association with areas known for adult entertainment.

FAQs

What is another way to say "Adult bookstore"?

Alternatives include "erotic bookstore", "sex shop", or "pornography shop", depending on the specific context.

What kind of content can I expect to find in an "Adult bookstore"?

An "Adult bookstore" typically sells sexually explicit materials such as books, magazines, videos, and adult novelties.

Is "Adult bookstore" a formal or informal term?

"Adult bookstore" is a relatively neutral term. More formal terms include "sexually oriented business", while more informal terms include "porn shop".

How do zoning laws typically affect "Adult bookstores"?

Zoning laws often restrict the location of "Adult bookstores", preventing them from operating near schools, churches, or residential areas.