a low building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a structure that is not tall, often in contrast to taller buildings in the area. Example: "The neighborhood is characterized by a low building that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It was a low building with two classrooms on either side of a hot porch.

The Guardian

But actually a low building is the one whose shadow is going to last the longest".

The New Yorker

In one corner of the terrace stood a low building housing a carpet-weaving factory.

The New York Times - Travel

WOULD DESTROY STATUE OF DIANA; Saint-Gaudens Says Garden Tower Figure Would Not Look Well on a Low Building.

The New York Times

Archives|WOULD DESTROY STATUE OF DIANA; Saint-Gaudens Says Garden Tower Figure Would Not Look Well on a Low Building.

The New York Times

The Hillsboro operation, which occupies about 30,000 square feet of a low building in an office park, is intended to keep the red envelopes coming.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

And the Ferryboat is much the same, a long, low building with a wood porch and benches outside.

The New York Times - Magazine

Berg led us into the first set, a long, low building with a narrow hallway and SEALs' bunk rooms on each side.

The New York Times - Magazine

About half an hour later, I reached a vast, low building, where hundreds of bicycles were parked in a covered lot.

The New Yorker

The Hospital. Adjoining the Ankh-Michauli are the remains of a long, low building, which was the hospital; a few of the wards still remain.

Columbia University

Carwan had popped up in a long, low building with dusty glass doors and a brick floor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a building, be specific about its characteristics beyond just height. Consider including details about its shape, material, and function to provide a more vivid picture.

Common error

Avoid using "a low building" as a standalone description without providing further context. Instead, elaborate on its architectural style, purpose, or surroundings to create a more engaging image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a low building" is to serve as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a specific attribute (height) of a building. Ludwig's examples confirm it's frequently used descriptively in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a low building" is a grammatically correct and frequently used descriptive phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While simple, it serves to provide key information about a building's dimensions. For more specific or vivid descriptions, consider alternatives like "a short building" or "a single-story structure". Be mindful to add details beyond just height for better clarity and engagement. Overall, this phrase is a straightforward and effective way to describe structures that aren't tall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short building

Replaces "low" with "short", emphasizing height as the distinguishing characteristic.

a low-rise building

Uses a compound adjective to directly describe a building with few stories.

a small building

Focuses on the overall size rather than just the height of the building.

a single-story building

Specifies the number of floors, implying a low height.

a one-story structure

Emphasizes the singular floor, similar to "single-story building".

a ground-level building

Emphasizes that the building is at ground level, implying a lack of significant height.

a squat building

Uses a more descriptive term for a building that is wide and not tall.

a modest building

Highlights the unpretentious nature of the building's size and design.

a compact building

Indicates the efficient use of space, often associated with smaller buildings.

a horizontally oriented building

Focuses on the horizontal dimension being more prominent than the vertical.

FAQs

How can I use "a low building" in a sentence?

You can use "a low building" to describe a structure that isn't tall. For instance, "The office was in "a low building" on the outskirts of town".

What's a good alternative to "a low building"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a short building", "a small building", or "a single-story building".

Is it more accurate to say "a low-rise building" or "a low building"?

"A low-rise building" is more specific and commonly used in architectural contexts, while "a low building" is a more general descriptive term.

Can "a low building" also imply something about the building's function or cost?

While "a low building" primarily refers to physical height, the context can suggest associations with simplicity or affordability, though not explicitly.