a corner store

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a corner store" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small retail shop, often located on a street corner, that sells a variety of everyday items. Example: "I stopped by a corner store to pick up some milk and bread on my way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She hasn't run a corner store.

The New York Times

It had two houses and a corner store.

Independent

Thatcher's father ran a corner store in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

The New Yorker

He saw a corner store that was open.

The New Yorker

Shopsin's still looks a lot like a corner store.

The New Yorker

"Interacting with a Twitter account is almost like walking into a corner store.

The New York Times

Would it be appropriate about a clerk at a corner store?

The New Yorker

Some Muslims shop at (or even own) Harrods, some run a corner store.

The Economist

"I couldn't figure out where there was a corner store," she said.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney, though, never ran a corner store or a traditional business.

The New York Times

Across the street from Efren's apartment is a corner store owned by Rodolfo Villarreal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "a corner store" to create a sense of familiarity and accessibility, as it often represents a common and easily recognizable part of a neighborhood landscape.

Common error

Avoid using "a corner store" in highly formal or business writing where a more professional term like "convenience store" or "retail outlet" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a corner store" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, evident in the diverse examples showing its role in describing locations, businesses, and everyday scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a corner store" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a small, local retail shop. Ludwig AI indicates its prevalence in News & Media contexts, confirming its widespread recognition. While primarily neutral to informal in register, it's crucial to consider audience and purpose. For more formal settings, alternatives like "convenience store" or "retail outlet" may be more appropriate. Remembering these tips will help you leverage the simple, yet evocative, power of the "corner store" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Convenience store

This is a direct synonym, referring to a small store that sells everyday items.

Local shop

This phrase emphasizes the store's role as a community resource.

Neighborhood market

This suggests a slightly larger store with a focus on fresh produce and groceries.

Mom-and-pop store

This highlights the store's family-owned and operated nature.

General store

This evokes a traditional store that sells a wide variety of goods.

Small grocery

This focuses on the food and household items sold in the store.

Deli

This refers to a shop which sells fine foods, delicatessen. It doesn't have the same meaning as corner store, but they are very often put together.

Tuck shop

This is often used in British English and refers to a shop selling sweets and snacks

Dairy

In New Zealand, this refers to a corner store or convenience store.

Bodega

In some urban areas, particularly in the northeastern United States, this refers to a small corner store, often run by Hispanic owners, selling groceries and other items.

FAQs

What is "a corner store"?

A "corner store" is a small retail shop, typically located on a street corner, that sells a variety of everyday items such as groceries, snacks, and household goods. It's often a neighborhood convenience.

What can I say instead of "a corner store"?

You can use alternatives like "convenience store", "local shop", or "neighborhood market" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a corner store" in formal writing?

While "a corner store" is perfectly acceptable in general writing, it might be more suitable to use a more formal term like "convenience store" or "retail outlet" in business or academic contexts.

What distinguishes "a corner store" from a larger supermarket?

A "corner store" is typically smaller in size and offers a more limited selection of goods compared to a larger supermarket. It prioritizes convenience and quick purchases, whereas supermarkets offer a wider range of products and lower prices.