deserted buildings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deserted buildings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe structures that are abandoned or no longer occupied. Example: "The old factory was surrounded by a series of deserted buildings, each telling a story of its past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Higher on the banks, deserted buildings rot in the summer heat.

The New Yorker

Criminals renting deserted buildings they do not own to unsuspecting tenants.

The New York Times

Children should be told not to play in isolated areas or inside or near deserted buildings.

The New York Times - Health

Also, many people from Aleppo's countryside moved to the city and occupied deserted buildings.

The Guardian - Opinion

The thuds of artillery fire rocked the street and the crackle of machine guns echoed between the deserted buildings.

The Guardian

But they do have their own style: featureless, virtually deserted buildings, full of marching rows of high-tech servers and routers fed by thick bundles of cable, their cooling fans forming a roaring chorus in the chilly gloom.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Lunch is over, and we make our way down through the deserted building.

The New Yorker

Who scratched warning marks on those walls, who disturbs deserted building sites?

The Guardian - Books

And who was this strangler in the balaclava whom she ends up having to shoot in the stylish deserted building?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 1638 the deserted building was occupied by the Solitaires (hermits), pious laymen and secular priests who lived without vows or a definite rule under the spiritual guidance of Jean Duvergier de Hauranne, abbot of Saint-Cyran and a friend of Cornelius Jansen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The F.B.I.'s offer came in October of last year, at the end of a three-hour conversation — a private debrief — in the nearly deserted building that had been a center of intrigue in cold war Berlin.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "deserted buildings" to create a sense of desolation or urban decay. This evokes a feeling of abandonment and can add depth to your narrative.

Common error

While similar, "abandoned buildings" often implies a more active and recent leaving. "Deserted buildings" can suggest a longer period of neglect or a more permanent state of emptiness. Use the term that best fits the specific context you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deserted buildings" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "deserted" describes the state of the buildings, indicating that they are abandoned and unoccupied. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deserted buildings" effectively describes structures that are abandoned or unoccupied. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, as evidenced by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While closely related to "abandoned buildings", "deserted buildings" can suggest a longer period of neglect. Using "deserted buildings" in your writing can evoke a sense of desolation, decay, or mystery, adding depth to your narrative by creating a vivid image of abandonment. The phrase is commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned buildings

Emphasizes the act of being left behind, often implying a state of disrepair.

vacant buildings

Focuses on the lack of occupants, suggesting emptiness.

empty buildings

Highlights the absence of contents and inhabitants.

unoccupied buildings

Formally states the lack of residents or users.

derelict buildings

Implies neglect and decay, suggesting a state of abandonment and disrepair.

dilapidated buildings

Focuses on the state of disrepair and ruin.

forsaken buildings

Emphasizes a sense of being abandoned and forgotten.

uninhabited structures

More formal term for buildings without residents.

abandoned properties

Broader term including the land and building, emphasizing legal status.

ghost buildings

Figurative language indicating a haunting emptiness and lack of activity.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "deserted buildings"?

Alternatives include "abandoned buildings", "vacant buildings", and "unoccupied buildings". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

You might say, "The explorers found themselves surrounded by crumbling, deserted buildings." or "The city's outskirts were dotted with deserted buildings, remnants of a bygone era."

Is there a difference between "deserted buildings" and "abandoned buildings"?

While often used interchangeably, "deserted buildings" can imply a longer period of neglect, whereas "abandoned buildings" might suggest a more recent or deliberate act of leaving.

What feeling does the phrase "deserted buildings" evoke?

The phrase often evokes a sense of loneliness, decay, and urban blight. It can also create a feeling of mystery or danger, depending on the context.