dilapidated buildings

USAGE SUMMARY

"dilapidated buildings" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to buildings that are in a state of disrepair or disuse. For example: "The dilapidated buildings of the abandoned factory still stood in the center of town, decaying reminders of a once-thriving business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are also dilapidated buildings or shacks where Spanish Gypsies and Romanian Gypsies form separate communities.

The Guardian

Pressure on housing means dilapidated buildings and barns, handy for nesting, have been converted into human dwellings.

The Economist

Roughly a third of this 139-square-mile city consists of weed-choked lots and dilapidated buildings.

The New York Times

The village of Newtok — a few dozen dilapidated buildings splayed on a treeless, marshy bend of the Ninglick River just before it opens into the ocean — is disappearing.

Huffington Post

It was the first platform in Egypt where citizens could report on everyday problems such as car theft or dilapidated buildings.

Huffington Post

South African street artist, painter, and mixed-media artist Faith47 has become renowned for her revitalization of abandoned or dilapidated buildings through beautiful and poignant murals.

Vice

We purchase dilapidated buildings at low cost and renovate them in vintage Victorian style, they are then rented to young families and couples.

Bplans

Some dilapidated buildings resembled human warrens".

The Guardian

Today, dilapidated buildings line what was once Shriner's Parade, a busy thoroughfare of shops and saloons.

Independent

"Unfortunately you have a lot of dilapidated buildings within the Bronx," he said.

The New York Times

The empire's poverty was reflected in dilapidated buildings and falling standards of luxury.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "dilapidated buildings" with other descriptive elements, such as overgrown vegetation or broken windows, to create a more immersive and impactful image in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dilapidated buildings" excessively in formal reports or business proposals. While descriptive, it can sometimes sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral terms like "aging infrastructure" or "buildings in need of repair" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dilapidated buildings" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to modify a noun, providing information about its condition. Ludwig shows it is commonly used to describe the state of structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

26%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dilapidated buildings" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe structures in a state of disrepair. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and context, opting for more neutral alternatives like "aging infrastructure" in formal settings. Common alternatives include "decaying structures" and "run-down constructions". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "dilapidated buildings" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decaying structures

Replaces "dilapidated" with "decaying" and "buildings" with "structures", focusing on the process of deterioration.

run-down constructions

Uses "run-down" instead of "dilapidated" and "constructions" instead of "buildings", indicating a state of neglect and poor maintenance.

shabby edifices

Employs "shabby" as a substitute for "dilapidated" and "edifices" to refer to large, imposing buildings in disrepair.

deteriorated properties

Replaces "dilapidated" with "deteriorated" and "buildings" with "properties", highlighting the decline in condition of real estate.

crumbling infrastructure

Substitutes "dilapidated buildings" with "crumbling infrastructure", emphasizing the breakdown of essential facilities and structures.

ramshackle dwellings

Uses "ramshackle" as a replacement for "dilapidated" and "dwellings" to describe homes or residences in a state of disrepair.

neglected constructions

Replaces "dilapidated" with "neglected", highlighting the lack of care and maintenance of the buildings.

derelict properties

Uses "derelict" to mean abandoned and in poor condition, replacing "dilapidated", while "properties" replaces "buildings".

unmaintained structures

Replaces "dilapidated" with "unmaintained", emphasizing the absence of upkeep, and uses "structures" instead of "buildings".

old and neglected buildings

Expands on "dilapidated" by explicitly stating "old and neglected", providing additional detail about the buildings' condition.

FAQs

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

"Dilapidated buildings" can be used to describe structures in disrepair. For example, "The city's efforts focused on renovating the "dilapidated buildings" in the downtown area."

What are some alternatives to "dilapidated buildings"?

You can use alternatives such as "decaying structures", "run-down constructions", or "shabby edifices" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Dilapidated buildings" implies a state of disrepair, while "derelict buildings" suggests abandonment and neglect. A building can be dilapidated without being derelict, and vice versa.

Is it appropriate to use "dilapidated buildings" in formal writing?

While "dilapidated buildings" is acceptable, it can sometimes sound overly informal or dramatic in formal writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "aging infrastructure" or "buildings in need of repair" in formal contexts.