backside of the building

USAGE SUMMARY

"backside of the building" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the side of a building that faces away from the front or main entrance. For example, "We were unable to enter through the front door, so we had to find another way in around the backside of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Three coroners vans parked along the backside of the building. .

Los Angeles Times

"There was no restroom inside, so we foolishly relieved ourselves on the backside of the building behind some bushes," Bentz said in a statement issued via the University of Georgia, where he attends college.

Huffington Post

The backside of the building's exposed hearth is the perfect clandestine place for a good suck off.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When you go out for lunch, a movie-screen-sized Barack Obama spans the backside of the three-story Ghost Building, fixing his gaze at a point 30 or 40 feet above the khakis and shirtsleeves types strolling Champa Street.

The New York Times

There, stores are generally scarce, and passers-by may feel hemmed in by large buildings like the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, Riverside Memorial Chapel, the Apple Bank building and the backside of the Beacon Theatre.

The New York Times

"We had a building on the backside of the lot which was all vintage costumes," said Thropp.

Los Angeles Times

(Next time, I would go for a renovated room on the backside of the fourth or fifth floor of the main building; what those rooms lack in square footage they gain in charm and panorama).

Forbes

A James Turrell installation, "Backside of the Moon," was set inside a blank-walled Ando building into which we solemnly led each other by the hand into total darkness.

The New York Times - Travel

In Mississippi, strong winds on the backside of the cold front blew a metal roof off a power company building, bringing down several trees and power lines.

Wikipedia

The side of the building is made of matte-black bricks and punctured by a few small sporadic windows, evoking the unadorned backsides of prewar tenements.

The New York Times - Arts

On the other, the backsides of apartment buildings and warehouses hug the shore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations or activities that are not meant to be seen or are less formal, using "backside of the building" can be appropriate. For example, "The employees often take smoke breaks on the backside of the building".

Common error

Be specific about which building you are referring to. If there are multiple buildings in the area, clearly identify which one you mean to avoid confusion when using "backside of the building".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backside of the building" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to specify location. This clarifies where something is situated in relation to a building. Ludwig indicates this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backside of the building" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that functions to indicate a location relative to the rear of a building. Ludwig confirms its validity. While versatile, it leans towards the informal side; more formal situations might benefit from using "rear of the building". It's most commonly encountered in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. Ensure clarity by specifying which building is being referenced, especially when multiple structures are nearby.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rear of the building

Uses "rear" instead of "backside", providing a more formal synonym.

back of the building

Replaces "backside" with "back", a simpler and equally common term.

building's rear

Employs a possessive construction to indicate the rear portion of the building.

building's back

Uses a possessive construction with "back", similar to "building's rear".

reverse side of the building

Uses "reverse side" to describe the opposite face of the building.

far side of the building

Implies a side that is distant or less accessible.

other side of the building

Indicates the side opposite the one being referenced.

exterior back wall

Specifically describes the outer wall at the rear of the building.

hidden face of the building

Suggests a concealed or less visible part of the structure.

service entrance side

Specifies the side of the building typically used for deliveries and services.

FAQs

What does "backside of the building" mean?

The phrase "backside of the building" refers to the rear or less visible side of a structure, often away from the main entrance.

Are there synonyms for "backside of the building"?

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

Is "backside of the building" formal or informal?

The phrase "backside of the building" is generally considered informal. More formal options include "rear of the building" or "building's rear".

How can I use "backside of the building" in a sentence?

Example: "The delivery trucks usually unload goods at the backside of the building".