concrete jungle

USAGE SUMMARY

"concrete jungle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a place with a lot of buildings and mechanical infrastructure, and a lack of nature. For example, "New York City is an iconic concrete jungle, characterized by tall buildings and an abundance of man-made activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move over, concrete jungle!

The New York Times

"This is a concrete jungle".

The New York Times

In the concrete jungle pesticides are rare.

The Economist

"The Concrete Jungle" (1960, Joseph Losey).

The New Yorker

Click here to buy: Concrete Jungle.

The Guardian - Music

*Galton Village, Smethwick, 1960s Known as the "Concrete Jungle".

Independent

It's wrong to assume that LA is a concrete jungle.

The Guardian - Travel

"And that's hard to do in this concrete jungle".

The New Yorker

But any self-respecting concrete jungle will do.

The Guardian

In the concrete jungle, you need some relief".

The New York Times

CONCRETE JUNGLE is a spectacular sight stretched across nearly the entire grid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concrete jungle" to vividly depict urban settings lacking natural elements, particularly when conveying a sense of harshness or artificiality.

Common error

Avoid using "concrete jungle" in formal or academic writing, as it can be perceived as too informal or cliché. Opt for more neutral terms like "urban environment" or "built environment" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concrete jungle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for urban environments. Ludwig confirms its typical usage in denoting areas dominated by buildings and lacking natural landscapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concrete jungle" is a common and grammatically sound expression, predominantly used to depict urban environments characterized by a high density of buildings and a scarcity of natural elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in News & Media contexts. While effective for conveying a vivid image, it's advisable to use more neutral alternatives like "urban environment" in formal settings. The phrase's pervasiveness in journalistic and informal discourse underscores its role in shaping perceptions of cityscapes, often highlighting the contrast between urban life and the natural world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asphalt jungle

Similar to "concrete jungle" but emphasizing asphalt.

urban environment

A more neutral and general term for a city.

urban sprawl

Emphasizes the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.

urban wasteland

Highlights the desolate or neglected aspects of a city.

built environment

Highlights the human-made aspects of an area.

cityscape

Focuses on the visual appearance of the city.

urban center

A more general term for the central part of a city.

metropolitan area

Refers to a large, densely populated region.

megacity

Focuses on the immense size and population.

townscape

Similar to cityscape, but referring to a smaller town.

FAQs

How can I use "concrete jungle" in a sentence?

You can use "concrete jungle" to describe an urban area characterized by a high density of buildings and a lack of greenery. For example: "New York City is often described as a "concrete jungle"."

What's a less cliché alternative to "concrete jungle"?

Consider using "urban landscape", "built environment", or "metropolitan area" depending on the context. These offer a more neutral and descriptive tone.

Is "concrete jungle" a positive or negative term?

"Concrete jungle" often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a harsh or artificial environment. However, it can also be used neutrally to simply describe a city's physical characteristics.

What are the origins of the phrase "concrete jungle"?

The exact origin is debated, but it gained popularity in the 20th century to describe rapidly urbanizing areas, often highlighting the contrast between the natural world and the built environment.