a residence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a residence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a place where someone lives, typically a house or apartment. Example: "After searching for months, they finally found a residence that suited their needs perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He's had a residence in Utah for decades but established his permanent residency there in 2014.

Vice

A residence?

The New York Times

They look for a residence.

The New York Times

"I didn't want a residence.

The New York Times

Now it's a residence for senior citizens.

The New Yorker

(He also maintains a residence in Utah).

The New York Times

They even gave me a residence".

The New York Times

Technically, it is not a residence.

The New Yorker

For a foreigner, buying a residence is rarely an option.

The New York Times

They also own a residence in Lawrence, on Long Island.

The New York Times - Arts

His brother's son Alexander has a residence on the street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a residence" in formal contexts or when you want to sound more official than using "a home" or "a house".

Common error

Avoid using "a residence" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "a home" or "a place" to maintain a friendly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a residence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it refers to a place where someone lives. It is used to denote a dwelling in various contexts, from legal documents to news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a residence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase referring to a place of dwelling. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use in English writing. While it appears across various contexts, it's particularly common in news, science, and formal business settings. For a more casual tone, consider alternatives like ""a home"" or "a place". Remember, the best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific message you want to convey. Using "a residence" adds a layer of officialdom and precision to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a place of residence

This is a more descriptive and slightly redundant way of saying "a residence".

a home

This is a more common and general term for a place of dwelling, often implying warmth and personal connection.

a dwelling

This is a more formal term for a place where someone lives, emphasizing the physical structure.

a domicile

A legal term indicating a person's permanent home for legal purposes.

a habitation

This is a very formal and somewhat archaic term for a place of dwelling.

a living space

Emphasizes the area used for daily living activities.

a lodging

This refers to temporary accommodation, often used for travelers.

an abode

This is a literary term for a place where someone lives.

a property

Refers to the legal ownership aspect, rather than just a place to live.

an establishment

This term broadens the sense beyond just living, as it refers to an entity or organization, which could include a residence.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a residence" and "a home"?

"A residence" is a more formal and general term for a place where someone lives, while "a home" implies a sense of warmth, comfort, and personal connection. Use "a residence" in official or legal contexts, and "a home" in more personal or emotional contexts.

What are some alternatives to using "a residence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a house", "an apartment", "a dwelling", or "a property". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How do I use "a residence" in a sentence?

You can use "a residence" to refer to a place where someone lives, such as: "The suspect was apprehended at "a residence" on Elm Street." Or, "She applied for "a residence permit" to live in the country permanently."

Is it correct to say "a residential" instead of "a residence"?

No, "a residential" is not grammatically correct. "Residential" is an adjective, while "residence" is a noun. You can say "a residential area" or "a residential building", but not "a residential" to mean a place of living. Use "a residence" to refer to the dwelling itself.