desolate buildings

USAGE SUMMARY

"desolate buildings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe buildings or other structures that appear to be empty and neglected. Example Sentence: We drove past endless rows of desolate buildings, each one seeming to be in worse shape than the last.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And though many of his images are devoid of human figures — desolate buildings, or abandoned remnants of war — I found myself most drawn to his people, with memories etched on their faces, and hope, too.

The New Yorker

The police said that Mr. Cumberland, who was arrested in May, lured his victims into desolate buildings with the promise of jobs, or ambushed them in lobbies or elevators.

The New York Times

Detectives in Manhattan have linked one man to five robberies and sex attacks in which he lured his victims into desolate buildings with the promise of a job or ambushed them in lobbies or on elevators, the police said yesterday.

The New York Times

A suspect in five Manhattan sex attacks and robberies in which the victims were lured into desolate buildings with the promise of a job, or ambushed in lobbies or on elevators, was arrested after investigators received an anonymous tip, the police said yesterday.

The New York Times

They often attend parties like Queen! to find out about the after events that usually take place in lofts or desolate buildings in parts of the more industrial corridors of Chicago's West Side.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was a time when this remote and now largely desolate building was the improbable setting for one of the greatest powerhouses in the history of publishing.

The New York Times

City records show the desolate building with bricked up windows is not abandoned, although it appears unoccupied, a far cry from the busy clinic shown in historic photographs with baby carriages parked out front.

Huffington Post

It depicts a Harlem in stark contrast to the neighbourhood it is today: desolate streets, abandoned buildings, and early 90s fashion fill its pages.

Vice

It depicts a Harlem in stark contrast to the neighborhood it is today: desolate streets, abandoned buildings, and early 90s fashion fill its pages.

Vice

The film's script details a young immigrant's experience of expatriation voiced by De Niro as his solitary figure wanders the desolate, snow-covered buildings on Ellis Island in search of the idea of home.

Vice

A former city councilwoman, Mrs Forsythe-Lill remembers vacant land, empty buildings and desolate sidewalks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "desolate buildings" to quickly convey a sense of abandonment, decay, and isolation. The phrase is particularly effective in creating a somber or eerie atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "desolate buildings" as a standalone description without providing context. Instead, elaborate on the specific features that make the buildings desolate, such as broken windows, overgrown vegetation, or lack of signs of life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desolate buildings" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to modify and describe a set of buildings, emphasizing their state of abandonment and disrepair. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples where the phrase effectively conveys a sense of emptiness and neglect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desolate buildings" is a descriptive noun phrase used to portray buildings that are abandoned, neglected, and in a state of disrepair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and effective in conveying a sense of sadness, loneliness, or decay. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase helps to create vivid imagery and set a somber or eerie tone. While it's best practice to provide context and elaborate on the specific features that make the buildings desolate, avoid overusing it as a standalone description. Synonyms such as "abandoned structures" and "derelict properties" can be used to vary your writing and provide different nuances. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively employ "desolate buildings" to enhance your descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned structures

Focuses on the act of being left behind and unused.

empty constructions

Emphasizes the lack of occupants or contents.

derelict properties

Highlights the state of disrepair and neglect.

ruined edifices

Suggests a state of destruction or decay over time.

forsaken architecture

Implies a sense of being forgotten or deserted.

unoccupied dwellings

Specifically refers to buildings without residents.

isolated buildings

Highlights the lack of nearby structures or activity.

bleak structures

Emphasizes the depressing or unwelcoming nature of the buildings.

grim constructions

Suggests a sense of foreboding or negativity associated with the buildings.

unloved properties

Conveys a lack of care or maintenance.

FAQs

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

You can use "desolate buildings" to describe a scene or setting where buildings appear abandoned and neglected. For example: "The movie was filmed in a town filled with "desolate buildings", creating a sense of post-apocalyptic emptiness."

What are some synonyms for "desolate buildings"?

Some synonyms for "desolate buildings" include "abandoned structures", "derelict properties", and "empty buildings". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "desolate buildings" or "abandoned buildings"?

Both "desolate buildings" and "abandoned buildings" are correct. "Desolate" emphasizes the emptiness and depressing state, while "abandoned" focuses on the fact that the buildings have been left behind.

What feeling does the phrase "desolate buildings" evoke?

The phrase "desolate buildings" evokes feelings of emptiness, sadness, and abandonment. It can also create a sense of mystery or unease, depending on the context.