dull city

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dull city" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a city or town that is not particularly interesting or exciting. Example: Jane had always wanted to visit New York City, but after spending a few days there she found it to be a dull city compared to her expectations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Against Culturally dull city.

Independent

"Berne, yes, there's a dull city.

Independent

But isn't Vienna rather a, er, dull city, compared to, say, London or Paris or Amsterdam?

Independent

Against Achingly dull city populated by stand-offish international bureaucrats and far-out radical Swiss youth.

Independent

One night, a rather dull student complained that he found Newcastle a visually dull city.

The Guardian

The city is named for Andries Pretorius, the hero of the Battle of Blood River in 1838, when a few hundred Boers tough Afrikaners fleeing the dominant (and slavery-abolishing) British authorities on the Cape defeated a 12,000-strong Zulu army.With its jacaranda-lined avenues and rolling hills, it's a pleasant, dull city, far more relaxed than Jozi.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But, before jaunting off for reef and rainforest adventures elsewhere, it's worth setting aside a couple of days to see how a once pleasant-but-dull city is transforming itself into something rather more appealing.

Independent

Non-tourist businesses caught in the swarm should relocate to duller city outskirts.

The Economist

Southside is a more urban affair, dense with 19th-century stone tenements, dive bars and snooker halls, and spliced with edgy spots like Tramway Arts or Glad Cafe, elbowed out for Pizza Express and Foxtons in duller cities more obsessed with property prices.

The Guardian - Money

Close to where Almodóvar grew up is one of the country's dullest cities, Ciudad Real, and it's here that much of I'm So Excited! was filmed – at an abandoned airport that is one of Spain's infamous architectural white elephants, part of the glittering detritus left by a decade of extravagance, financial corruption and delusions of political grandeur.

The Guardian - Film

Nothing can dull the city's appetite.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a city as "dull", provide specific examples of what contributes to this perception, such as lack of cultural events, limited entertainment options, or uninspired architecture. This adds depth and credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a city is a "dull city" without offering any supporting details. This vague statement can be subjective and uninformative. Instead, elaborate on the aspects that make the city seem uninteresting or lacking in vitality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dull city" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where the adjective "dull" modifies the noun "city". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dull city" is a straightforward and commonly used expression for describing an urban area lacking in excitement or interest. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it is essential to provide specific details to support the assessment. Consider using alternative phrases like ""unexciting metropolis"" or ""monotonous urban landscape"" for nuanced expression and remember to avoid overuse without context. The phrase serves as a critical evaluation, encouraging a more detailed analysis of the urban environment being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexciting metropolis

Replaces "dull" with "unexciting" and "city" with "metropolis", emphasizing the lack of stimulation in a large urban center.

monotonous urban landscape

Substitutes "dull" with "monotonous" and "city" with "urban landscape", highlighting the repetitive and unvaried nature of the cityscape.

uninspiring town

Uses "uninspiring" instead of "dull" and "town" instead of "city", suggesting a lack of creativity or motivation in a smaller urban setting.

lifeless urban area

Replaces "dull" with "lifeless", emphasizing the lack of activity and energy in the urban environment.

bland urban center

Substitutes "dull" with "bland" and "city" with "urban center", suggesting a lack of distinctive features or character.

unremarkable cityscape

Replaces "dull" with "unremarkable" and "city" with "cityscape", highlighting the ordinariness and lack of notable sights.

tiresome urban sprawl

Uses "tiresome" instead of "dull" and "urban sprawl" instead of "city", emphasizing the weariness induced by the extensive and repetitive urban development.

lackluster town

Substitutes "dull" with "lackluster", suggesting a deficiency in vibrancy and appeal.

dreary borough

Replaces "dull" with "dreary" and "city" with "borough", highlighting the gloomy and depressing atmosphere of a district.

unstimulating municipality

Uses "unstimulating" instead of "dull" and "municipality" instead of "city", emphasizing the lack of intellectual or emotional excitement in a local government area.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a city as a "dull city"?

Describing a city as a "dull city" means it lacks excitement, interesting attractions, or vibrant cultural activities. It suggests a lack of stimulation and a sense of monotony.

What are some synonyms for "dull city"?

Alternatives to "dull city" include "unexciting metropolis", "monotonous urban landscape", or "uninspiring town", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a city as a "dull city" in formal writing?

While acceptable, using "dull city" in formal writing may benefit from more descriptive and nuanced language. Consider alternatives that pinpoint specific shortcomings, such as "lacking cultural amenities" or "characterized by monotonous architecture".

How can I make my description of a "dull city" more impactful?

Instead of simply stating a city is "dull", provide concrete examples. For instance, mention the absence of nightlife, the lack of diverse restaurants, or the prevalence of uninspired urban planning. This approach makes your assessment more persuasive and informative.