a basement suite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basement suite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a self-contained living space located in the basement of a building, often rented out as an apartment. Example: "After searching for weeks, I finally found a cozy basement suite that fits my budget perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

WFAN is broadcast out of a basement suite at the Kaufman Astoria studios, in Astoria, Queens.

The New Yorker

There were at that time just five very frightened teenagers in a basement suite at the Loft, a gay community center in downtown White Plains.

The New York Times

His father, also named Lawrence, said the attention had been overwhelming; news trucks camped outside the family home in Suffolk County, where the officer lives in a basement suite.

The New York Times

It is far better, Ms. Morgan said, than the apartment they shared in college, a basement suite that cost them $500 a month each in Canadian dollars (these days about $315 in United States dollars).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Jay rents a luxurious basement suite for $1 million a year," a source tells the magazine.

Huffington Post

Nearby, in a hotel basement suite, artist and poet Heather Phillipson has set up a kind of rumpus room.

The Guardian - Arts

For a shitty basement suite.

Vice

The addition to the original house also has a fully finished basement suite.

The New York Times

A 20-foot-long expanse of the station's original granite wall emerged in 1998 from behind a partition in a basement office suite not far from the waiting room.

The New York Times

Down in the Vaults, a basement hospitality suite, they met James, the Cavaliers' star player, who had brought them a gift-wrapped box of cupcakes from his home town, Akron, Ohio.

The Guardian

The house at 13 Macdougal Alley was once a home to horses and to servants, but its current owners have turned it into a cozy four-story home with a skylight in the master bedroom suite, a kitchen and living level with a glass-encased dining room and outdoor terrace, a media room and a basement guest suite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing rental properties, specify if "a basement suite" has separate entrances and utilities to attract suitable tenants.

Common error

Avoid using "a basement suite" when referring to unfinished or storage areas. A suite implies a self-contained living space, not just storage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basement suite" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig shows examples where it describes a specific type of accommodation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basement suite" is a noun phrase referring to a self-contained apartment located in a basement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is rare. It's typically found in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by indicating whether it's a fully equipped living space, and avoid using it to describe unfinished basements. For alternatives, consider options like "basement apartment" or "lower-level apartment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basement apartment

Replaces "suite" with the more common term "apartment".

basement flat

Uses the British English term "flat" instead of "suite".

basement studio apartment

Specifies that the suite is a studio apartment layout.

lower-level apartment

Focuses on the location of the apartment on the lower level.

basement dwelling

Uses a more general term for a living space.

garden apartment

Implies a basement apartment with access to a garden.

in-law suite in the basement

Suggests the suite is designed for family members.

below-ground apartment

Highlights that the apartment is located below ground level.

secondary suite in the basement

Emphasizes the legal or official designation of the suite.

finished basement with living space

Describes the suite as a finished basement converted into a living area.

FAQs

What is "a basement suite"?

A "basement suite" refers to a self-contained apartment located in the basement of a house, typically including a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen area.

What are some alternatives to saying "a basement suite"?

You can use alternatives like "basement apartment", "garden apartment" (if it has garden access), or "lower-level apartment".

Is "a basement suite" the same as a finished basement?

No, a finished basement might be renovated for recreational use or storage, while "a basement suite" is specifically designed as a separate living space.

Are there any building code requirements for "a basement suite"?

Yes, most municipalities have specific building codes for "a basement suite", including requirements for egress windows, fire safety, and proper ventilation.