a common courtyard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common courtyard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared outdoor space that is accessible to multiple people or residents, often found in apartment complexes or communal living arrangements. Example: "The residents often gather in a common courtyard to socialize and enjoy the fresh air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The commercial rooftop is to serve as a common courtyard.

The New York Times

OUTDOOR SPACE: A private balcony off the master bedroom and a common courtyard for the building.

The New York Times

The building has a 24-hour doorman, laundry room on each floor, a common courtyard and allows pets.

The New York Times

Off the kitchen, a 40-square-foot balcony, with southern exposure, overlooks a common courtyard at the back of the building, which has a patio, furniture and barbecue equipment for residents.

The New York Times

BROOKLYN: 110 Ocean Parkway, #3C (at Caton Avenue) A three-bedroom two-bath co-op with a living room, a dining area, a separate kitchen and a balcony in a 54-unit postwar building with a common courtyard.

The New York Times

The developers drew up plans for apartments surrounding a common courtyard, with the units to be built in an long-abandoned Episcopal church, its former rectory and a new building with a facade that mimics the stately town houses on the block.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Pamela Wolfe, the Corcoran Group [phone]; www.corcoran.com Open house Sunday 1 to 3 p.m. MAINTENANCE: $935 a month PROS: The apartment overlooks a lovely common courtyard.

The New York Times

The almshouses are known in Dutch as "hofjes," or "little courtyards," because they were traditionally built around a common court that had a single opening onto the street.

The New York Times - Travel

co-op in a prewar building; dining area, renovated kitchen and bath, parquet floors, common courtyard; maintenance $410 , 52 tax-deductible; listed at $399,000, 1 week on market (broker: Orrichio Anderson) Queens RIDGEWOOD $600,000 62-64 61st Street 2-family, 80-year-old colonial-style house; 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, dining room in each unit; 2-car garage; 19-by-100-ft.

The New York Times

Maintenance costs for the common courtyard are divided among the six.

The New York Times

doormen, concierge; central air-conditioning, west exposure; common courtyard and roof deck in building; common charge $481; taxes $4,188; listed at $525,000 (multiple bids), 1 week on market (broker: Corcoran Group) UNION SQUARE $895,000122 East 14th Street 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 1,300-sq.-ft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a residential complex or community area, use "a common courtyard" to clearly indicate a shared outdoor space available to all residents. For example: "The apartments are arranged around a common courtyard, providing a central gathering space."

Common error

Avoid using "a common courtyard" to describe small, private patios or balconies. A courtyard, even if small, implies a shared or communal space. If the space is private, use terms like "private patio" or "balcony."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common courtyard" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a specific type of shared outdoor space.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common courtyard" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a shared outdoor space accessible to multiple people, such as residents of an apartment complex. Ludwig's analysis, consistent with the search results, indicates that this phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and can also be found in scientific and encyclopedic writing. While the phrase is relatively uncommon overall, it is a clear and effective way to convey the concept of a shared outdoor area. When writing, ensure that the space truly is shared and avoid using the term for private patios or balconies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a community courtyard

Highlights the community aspect of the shared outdoor area.

a residents' courtyard

Specifically indicates that the courtyard is for the use of residents.

a shared terrace

Replaces 'courtyard' with 'terrace', implying a raised, paved outdoor space.

a shared patio

Replaces 'courtyard' with 'patio', suggesting a smaller, paved outdoor area.

a communal garden

Substitutes 'courtyard' with 'garden', emphasizing greenery and plants.

a joint outdoor area

Uses more general terms, focusing on the shared nature of the space.

a collective backyard

Emphasizes the residential aspect and shared use.

a mutual open space

Highlights the openness and shared access.

a public plaza

Suggests a larger, more formal shared area, typically in urban settings.

a common green

Implies a grassy area shared by a community.

FAQs

What does "a common courtyard" mean in real estate?

In real estate, "a common courtyard" typically refers to an outdoor space shared by the residents of a building or complex. It's often a central area designed for relaxation, socializing, or recreation.

What are the benefits of having "a common courtyard" in an apartment building?

Having "a common courtyard" can enhance community interaction, provide a shared outdoor space for residents to enjoy, and increase the aesthetic appeal of the building. It also creates opportunities for social gatherings and events.

What is the difference between "a common courtyard" and "a private courtyard"?

"A common courtyard" is a shared outdoor space accessible to all residents, whereas "a private courtyard" is an exclusive outdoor area attached to a specific unit or residence.

Are there synonyms for "a common courtyard" that I can use in my writing?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "a shared patio", "a communal garden", or "a residents' courtyard" depending on the specific context and characteristics of the space.