boarded up

USAGE SUMMARY

"boarded up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been shut up or blocked off with planks of wood. For example: "The broken window had been boarded up, leaving the room in darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Merchants had boarded up shop windows.

The New Yorker

This house was boarded up for years.

The New York Times

Once-boarded-up storefronts downtown were boarded up again.

The New York Times

It has been boarded up for ages.

The New York Times

He then boarded up the property.

The Guardian

The rest are boarded up, vacant.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Blocks upon blocks of boarded-up homes.

The New York Times

There were boarded-up houses nearby.

The Guardian

Empty lots and boarded-up shops are the norm.

The Economist

Boarded-up buildings.

The New York Times - Tech

Boarded-up harbor facilities.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boarded up" to vividly describe buildings or openings that are covered with wooden boards, often indicating disuse, protection from weather, or security measures after damage or abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "boarded up" when simply describing a building that is closed for business. "Boarded up" implies a more significant state of disrepair or protection, not just temporary closure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boarded up" functions primarily as a verb in the past participle form, often used adjectivally to describe a state or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes something blocked with boards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "boarded up" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It primarily serves to describe something covered with boards, typically conveying a sense of abandonment, protection, or disrepair. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly within news and media, and maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When aiming for semantic variety, consider alternatives such as "sealed off" or "shuttered" depending on the intended nuance. Remember to reserve its usage for situations where the boarding-up is more than a mere temporary closure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sealed off

Implies a complete closure, often for security or isolation purposes.

shuttered

Specifically refers to closing with shutters, implying a temporary or permanent closure.

closed off

A more general term for blocking access.

barricaded

Suggests a defensive closure, often against an external threat.

blocked off

Indicates that something is obstructed or inaccessible.

covered over

Suggests concealment or protection by covering something completely.

secured

Implies that measures have been taken to protect a place.

closed down

Indicates a permanent cessation of activity.

made inaccessible

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of accessing something.

protected with boards

More explicitly describes the action of using boards for protection, offering a more literal description.

FAQs

How is "boarded up" used in a sentence?

"Boarded up" describes something covered with boards, often indicating abandonment or protection. For example, "The windows of the old house were "boarded up" after the storm".

What are some alternatives to saying "boarded up"?

Alternatives include "sealed off", "shuttered", or "closed off", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "boarded up the windows" or "boarded the windows up"?

Both constructions are grammatically acceptable, but "boarded up the windows" is more common. "Boarded the windows up" places emphasis on the action.

What does it mean when a building is "boarded up"?

When a building is "boarded up", it typically means its windows and doors are covered with wooden boards. This is often done to prevent vandalism, protect against weather damage, or indicate that the building is abandoned or vacant.