barren buildings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barren buildings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe buildings that are empty, abandoned, or lacking in life and activity. Example: "The once-bustling factory now stands as a series of barren buildings, a stark reminder of the town's industrial past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Gowanus Canal became an open sewer, a neglected backwater of waste surrounded by increasingly barren buildings.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He showed the jurors a photograph of ADX, the federal maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado, where several of Clarke's former clients are held: a series of stark buildings nestled into barren, snow-covered terrain.

The New Yorker

Asked how much investment it takes to start such an operation, Mr. Amorim da Silva whipped out an iPhone and did the math, calculating the cost of a barren lot, building materials and a bit of start-up capital, which he said he obtained from selling a used Honda motorcycle.

The New York Times

It was not so much a street but a remnant of one, lined with barren lots, abandoned buildings and eight-foot-high piles of bulldozed bricks.

The New York Times

It would give a place to throw a baseball, walk the dog and meet the neighbors to the thousands of families who have already settled in this previously barren area (in buildings such as the Element, the Helena, 10 West End Ave, the Sessana, the Adagio, not to mention the Amsterdam Houses, and all of the buildings Extell has already built).

Huffington Post

They also personalized and beautified their barren surroundings by building elaborate gardens, which often included pools, waterfalls, and rock ornaments.

Wikipedia

A group of shareholders in my co-op building wants to renovate and landscape barren space behind our building and make the space available for use by residents.

The New York Times

Chelsea Through March 4 Michael Ashkin is best known for his miniature tabletop vistas of deserted buildings on barren flatlands.

The New York Times - Arts

Now somewhere a holistic pet spa could conceivably turn a profit, it used to be a hash-scented expanse of dilapidated buildings and barren yards-the perfect breeding ground for a countercultural scene.

Vice

Earlier this year the Giuliani administration presented one such opportunity when it proposed the boldest change in zoning rules since 1961, with the aim of saving residential neighborhoods from destruction by wanton development of towering skyscrapers and barren plazas like the Trump building under construction near the United Nations.

The New York Times

In some pictures the old has been completely swept away, and the new buildings stand on barren swaths of land or amid manicured recreational facilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barren buildings" to vividly depict urban decay, economic decline, or post-apocalyptic settings, enhancing the narrative's emotional impact and sense of desolation.

Common error

Avoid using "barren buildings" redundantly when other descriptive elements already convey the sense of emptiness and neglect. Choose stronger verbs or evocative adjectives to create a more nuanced image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barren buildings" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It vividly characterizes buildings lacking life, activity, or occupants, often suggesting neglect or abandonment. This description aligns with the Ludwig AI analysis and examples found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barren buildings" effectively conveys a sense of emptiness, abandonment, and decay. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its neutral register allows for broad application across various contexts, particularly in news media and descriptive narratives. When using this phrase, consider the emotional impact and avoid redundancy, opting for stronger verbs or adjectives to enrich your writing. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "desolate buildings" or "abandoned structures", "barren buildings" remains a potent and widely understood expression for depicting architectural desolation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desolate buildings

Emphasizes the emotional impact and emptiness of the buildings.

abandoned structures

Focuses on the state of being deserted and no longer in use.

empty buildings

Highlights the lack of occupants or contents.

derelict buildings

Indicates a state of disrepair and neglect.

unoccupied buildings

Stresses the absence of inhabitants.

bleak structures

Conveys a sense of coldness and lack of hope.

forlorn buildings

Suggests a feeling of sadness and loneliness.

vacant buildings

Simply indicates that the buildings are not currently in use.

unproductive buildings

Focuses on the lack of economic or functional output.

sterile buildings

Implies a lack of warmth, life, or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "barren buildings" in a sentence?

You can use "barren buildings" to describe structures that are empty, abandoned, or lacking in any signs of life. For example: "The hurricane left behind a landscape of "barren buildings" and debris."

What are some synonyms for "barren buildings"?

Some synonyms for "barren buildings" include "desolate buildings", "abandoned structures", and "empty buildings".

Is it correct to say "barren buildings"?

Yes, "barren buildings" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe buildings that are empty and devoid of activity.

What is the difference between "barren buildings" and "dilapidated buildings"?

"Barren buildings" emphasizes the emptiness and lack of activity, while "dilapidated buildings" focuses on the state of disrepair and decay. A building can be both "barren buildings" and dilapidated, but not necessarily.