back of the building

USAGE SUMMARY

'back of the building' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the rear side of a building or structure. For example, "The fire escape is located at the back of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Quiet' means it's in the back of the building.

The New York Times

Their bedroom, in the back of the building, is quiet.

The New York Times

The back of the building was being renovated".

Independent

Some patrons escaped out of the back of the building.

The New Yorker

A bomb sheared off the back of the building.

The New York Times

I would like to add a 300-square-foot solarium to the back of the building.

The New York Times

Mr. Reichl fell into a paved area in the back of the building.

The New York Times

Edinburgh Castle can be seen from the bedrooms at the back of the building.

The New York Times

It faced the back of the building, not the fenced-in courtyard.

The New Yorker

My stories came out of printing presses at the back of the building.

Independent

The sanctuary itself will be at the back of the building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations in relation to a building, consider the audience. For formal writing, "rear of the building" might be preferred over "back of the building".

Common error

Avoid using "back of the building" when referring to a side that isn't the literal rear. Always consider the building's orientation and surrounding context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of the building" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun. It indicates a specific location relative to a building. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back of the building" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a location at the rear side of a building. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide use. While the phrase has a neutral register suitable for most contexts, more formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "rear of the building". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase serves the purpose of providing spatial information. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the building's orientation. With numerous authoritative sources employing this phrase, it remains a reliable descriptor. Overall, "back of the building" is a well-established and understandable way to communicate location relative to a structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rear of the building

Uses "rear" instead of "back", offering a more formal synonym.

building's rear

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the building.

at the building's back

Adds "at" to specify a location.

back side of the building

Uses "side" to clarify the location is a specific face of the building.

reverse of the building

Uses "reverse" to indicate the opposite side.

exterior back of the building

Specifies the "exterior" aspect of the back.

outer rear of the building

Combines "outer" to indicate the exterior and "rear" to specify the back.

far end of the building

Indicates the rearmost part, but not necessarily the back face.

opposite side of the building

Focuses on the opposite location relative to the front.

the building's posterior

Offers a more technical or anatomical term for the back.

FAQs

What does "back of the building" mean?

The phrase "back of the building" refers to the rear side of a building, typically the side opposite the main entrance or front facade.

What can I say instead of "back of the building"?

You can use alternatives like "rear of the building", the building's rear, or at the building's back, depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "rear of the building" or "back of the building"?

Rear of the building is generally considered more formal, while "back of the building" is more common in everyday language. Both are grammatically correct.

How do I describe an event that happened "back of the building"?

When describing an event, clarify the location: "The delivery truck is parked at the back of the building" or "The loading dock is located at the "rear of the building"".