a police box

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a police box" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small structure or booth where police officers can be stationed or where the public can report crimes or seek assistance. Example: "As I walked through the park, I noticed a police box where officers were chatting with local residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Why a police box?

The New Yorker

He enters an abandoned warehouse; he finds a police box.

The New Yorker

That's how the Tardis got stuck as a police box, but it doesn't explain why it started out that way.

The New Yorker

they force me to cosplay as a police box from Dr Who and take turns paintballing my enormous nude torso," he wrote.

The New Yorker

Sherlock's sticky wicket could be perfectly resolved by the intervention of a police box that can fly and travel in time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

[cartoon id= a17834"] That's how the Tardis got stuck as a police box, but it doesn't explain why it started out that way.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Detective Putkowski looks like a boxer because he was one; he won his Bomb Squad assignment in a police boxing competition.

The New York Times - Magazine

This year's shortlist comprises projects and services from all over the UK, including a police boxing project, a travel initiative that enables disabled young people to use public transport and voluntary doctors who have been saving lives by treating patients at accident scenes in their own cars.

The Guardian

And at the next hustings, a day later, Melville was questioned about the whole did-he-spit-at-a-Green-Party-representative-while-she-campaigned-out-of-a-police-box thing, and he did the best thing you could possibly do when accused of such, which is stand up and pretend to spit at people.

Vice

Tucked away in a single streetview image of what appears to be a mere police box, a newly discovered Google Maps easter egg lets you go inside the TARDIS.

TechCrunch

The latest include Doctor Who Phone Charms, which feature a miniature Tardis (forever stuck in the shape of a London Police Box) or a Dalek, the Doctor's ultimate nemesis.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about Doctor Who, use "a police box" to refer to the TARDIS's exterior, especially when explaining its disguise or malfunctioned chameleon circuit.

Common error

Avoid using "a police box" to describe contemporary police stations. The phrase typically refers to historical structures or the Doctor Who TARDIS. Instead, use "police station" or "precinct" for modern facilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a police box" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a small structure for police contact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a police box" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a historical police structure or, most famously, the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, wiki articles, and encyclopedic entries. While generally neutral in register, it often appears in discussions of popular culture and historical accounts. When writing, be mindful of the context to avoid confusion with modern police stations. Consider alternatives such as "police call box" or "police kiosk" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

police call box

Specifically refers to the older type of police box used for direct communication.

police telephone box

Highlights the communication function of the police box.

tardis

Specifically refers to the time machine from Doctor Who disguised as a police box.

blue box

Emphasizes the color of the police box, particularly in the context of Doctor Who.

police kiosk

A more modern term for a small police station.

police booth

A generic term for a small enclosure used by the police.

public call box for police

Highlights the public accessibility and law enforcement purpose.

emergency call box for police

Implies that the box is used for emergency communications with the police.

old fashioned police communications point

Refers to the historical significance and purpose of the box.

police assistance point

Emphasizes the purpose of providing help to the public.

FAQs

How is "a police box" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a police box" is used to describe a small, public structure where people could contact the police, or to refer to the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Example: "The TARDIS is disguised as "a police box"."

What can I say instead of "a police box"?

You can use alternatives like "police call box", "police telephone box", or "police kiosk" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a police box" when referring to a modern police station?

No, "a police box" refers to a historical structure or the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Use "police station" or "precinct" for modern facilities.

What is the significance of "a police box" in Doctor Who?

In Doctor Who, the TARDIS is a time machine that is famously stuck in the shape of "a police box" due to a malfunctioning chameleon circuit.