a dwelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dwelling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a place where someone lives, such as a house, apartment, or other types of residences. Example: "The old man lived in a small dwelling at the edge of the forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How can someone charge £360 a month in a dwelling without running water, central heating or adequate sanitation facilities?

The Guardian

Imaginary scene in a "dwelling machine".

The New Yorker

Some homes are mere frames, barely suggestive of a dwelling.

The New York Times

Mrs. Cully says it is ideal as a dwelling.

The New Yorker

("It's not hooked up to any utilities, so it doesn't seem like a dwelling").

The New York Times

Located on the property when he bought it were a store, a dwelling and a schoolhouse.

The New York Times

Nothing – not a tree or a dwelling – showed around the lake.

The Guardian - Travel

But to call it a dwelling was something of an exaggeration.

The New York Times

The Washoe traditionally abandoned or burned a dwelling in which a death had occurred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1604 Fulke Greville took possession and converted the castle from a fortress into a dwelling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Until the 1940s, when it was converted to a dwelling, the house was a small barn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a formal or legal situation, "a dwelling" is a precise and appropriate term. However, in casual conversation, consider using "a home" or "a house" for better resonance.

Common error

Avoid using "a dwelling" in informal contexts where simpler terms like "a house" or "a home" would be more natural and appropriate. The term can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dwelling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "a" is an article specifying a single instance of the noun "dwelling". As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a place where someone lives. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing different types of residences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dwelling" is a formal and neutral term used to describe a place of residence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, marking it as grammatically correct. While it's often interchangeable with "a house" or "a home", "a dwelling" is more common in official or technical contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news articles, scientific papers, and encyclopedias. When choosing the right word, consider the audience and the context. For casual conversations, "a house" or "a home" may be more appropriate, while "a dwelling" is better suited for formal or legal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a residence

Replaces "dwelling" with a more formal synonym, suitable for official or legal contexts.

a habitation

Similar to "dwelling", but often implies a more permanent or long-term residence.

a home

A more common and emotionally resonant term for "a dwelling", suggesting comfort and personal connection.

a place of residence

A more descriptive and formal way of saying "a dwelling", emphasizing the act of residing.

a living space

Focuses on the area used for living, rather than the structure itself.

a lodging

Implies temporary or rented accommodation.

an abode

A literary or archaic term for "a dwelling".

a property

Emphasizes ownership or legal rights over the dwelling.

a building

A general term that refers to any structure, including a dwelling.

a structure

Refers to the physical construction of the dwelling.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a dwelling"?

You can use alternatives like "a residence", "a home", or "a place of residence" depending on the context.

Is "a dwelling" formal or informal?

"A dwelling" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "a house" or "a home". It's often used in legal or official contexts.

How to use "a dwelling" in a sentence?

You can use "a dwelling" to refer to any structure used as a residence. For example, "The regulations apply to every residential "a dwelling" within the city limits."

What is the difference between "a dwelling" and "a house"?

While both refer to structures used for living, "a dwelling" is more general and formal. "A house" typically refers to a specific type of building, whereas ""a dwelling"" can encompass apartments, mobile homes, and other types of residences.