a squat building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a squat building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a building that is low and wide in appearance, often conveying a sense of sturdiness or compactness. Example: "The architect designed a squat building that blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Outside, a squat building with a neon sign: Police.

The New York Times

The detainees huddled quietly on the ground outside a squat building where they would be processed.

The New York Times

THE PLACE A squat building on an industrial stretch of the West Side Highway, just north of Houston Street.

The New York Times

Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Superstar Band Camp turned out to be a squat building on what looked like an industrial estate.

The Guardian - Music

Next to the shopping plaza is the McGoldrick branch of the Queens Borough Public Library, a squat building circa 1974, and one of the system's busiest.

The New York Times

IN Bethesda, Md., in a squat building off a suburban parkway, sits a small federal agency called the Office for Human Research Protections.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There is a slight potential conflict between the protesters' stated intention to make the building a public space and its status as a squatted building.

The Guardian

After what seemed like an hour, we finally arrived at a bland, squat building that resembled a Soviet-era government office.

The New York Times - Travel

The News operates from a small, squat building downtown, a modernist structure with thick stone and jutting overhangs.

Forbes

Little is known of the first two earlier churches, but the third building was a solid, squat building with a sturdy square tower at the west end.

Wikipedia

"He was in a little, squat building almost like a trailer," Cahill said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a squat building" to vividly describe a building that is noticeably short and wide, adding character to your writing.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "a squat building", as it can sometimes carry negative connotations suggesting unattractiveness or inferiority. Opt for a more neutral term like "low-rise" if the intent is purely descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a squat building" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "squat" modifies the noun "building", providing specific details about its appearance. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe various structures from libraries to factories.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a squat building" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize a building that is short and wide. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, it can sometimes carry subtle negative connotations, so writers should be mindful of the context. Alternatives like "low-rise building" may be preferable in formal writing or when aiming for a more objective description. The phrase is commonly used in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its acceptance in mainstream publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short, wide building

Directly describes the building's dimensions.

a low-rise building

Focuses on the building's lack of height, similar to "squat" but less descriptive of its proportions.

a low-slung building

Similar to low-rise, but with an added sense of being stretched out horizontally.

a compact building

Emphasizes the building's small size and efficient use of space.

a stumpy building

Similar to "squat" in suggesting a short and thick shape.

a dumpy building

Implies a short and stout building, often with negative connotations.

a stocky building

Suggests a building that is sturdy and broad in proportion.

a ground-hugging building

Emphasizes how the building sits close to the ground.

a chunky building

Describes building as being thick and solid.

a broad building

Highlights the building's width rather than its height.

FAQs

How can I describe "a squat building" in more neutral terms?

You can use alternatives like "a low-rise building" or "a compact building" if you want to avoid any potentially negative connotations.

What does "squat" imply when describing a building?

The term "squat" implies that the building is short and wide, often giving an impression of being sturdy or somewhat unattractive, depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a squat building" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a squat building" might be considered less formal due to its descriptive and potentially subjective nature. In formal writing, consider more objective terms like "low-rise structure".

What are some adjectives similar to "squat" when describing a building?

Similar adjectives include "stocky", "stumpy", and "chunky". Each of these words conveys a sense of shortness and width, though with slightly different nuances.