exterior in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exterior in" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without additional context.
It could potentially be used in contexts discussing design, architecture, or aesthetics, but it is not standard. Example: "The exterior in this design concept emphasizes natural materials and open spaces."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The company now offers every light fixture it makes —interior and exterior — in 180 colors.

The New York Times

First, look at the exterior in the morning light, when the Portland stone facades glow radiantly.

The New York Times - Travel

The exterior, in stripes of green-and-blue glass, has charm, but the interior is awkward.

The Guardian - Arts

It looked so good before they clad the exterior in glass, when the internal structure was still visible.

The New Yorker

With the electrically operated window-and-wall washing apparatus, two men can wash the whole exterior in six days.

The New Yorker

Across the top of the building's buff-colored exterior, in big block lettering, were placed the words "Scruggs Law Firm".

The New Yorker

She liked peeling away the rough exterior in her pictures to reveal a warmer, gentler person hidden below.

The New Yorker

What is an omelette without the nutty surface flavours achieved by lightly browning its exterior in foaming butter?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has cost no public money since English Heritage supported the restoration of the exterior in the early 1990s.

The Guardian - Arts

Many women I've encountered in business think they need to have a hard exterior in order to be effective.

The Guardian - Opinion

This 1874 building, which has landmark status, has an unusual cast-iron exterior in the French Second Empire style.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more precise preposition like "on", "of", or "to" would improve clarity. For example, prefer "the design on the exterior" over "the design in the exterior".

Common error

Avoid using "in" when referring to surfaces. "On" is generally more suitable for describing features or designs located on the surface of something. For example, say "the paint on the exterior" instead of "the paint in the exterior".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exterior in" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to specify location or characteristic related to the outer surface of an object or structure. As Ludwig AI highlights, while used, it can sometimes be improved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exterior in" is a prepositional phrase used to describe features or qualities related to the outer surface of something. While quite common, as indicated by Ludwig's examples, it's essential to consider whether alternative prepositions like "on" or "of" might provide greater clarity. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with moderate use in science and wiki sources. As Ludwig AI mentions, while grammatically acceptable, choosing a more precise preposition can sometimes improve the overall effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the exterior

Focuses on the surface of the exterior.

on the outside

Emphasizes the outer boundary or surface.

on its facade

Specifically refers to the front or outward appearance of a building.

coating the exterior with

Highlights the act of applying a layer to the outside.

cladding the exterior with

Emphasizes covering the exterior with a specific material.

external to

Indicates something located outside of a defined area.

outer surface of

Focuses on the outermost layer.

surrounding the exterior

Describes elements or features around the outside.

applied to the exterior

Highlights something being added or placed on the outside.

facing outwards

Indicates the direction the exterior is oriented.

FAQs

How can I use "exterior in" in a sentence?

You can use "exterior in" to describe a quality or feature present on the outside of something, such as "the color of the exterior in the design".

What phrases are similar to "exterior in"?

Similar phrases include "on the exterior", "on the outside", or "external to", depending on the specific context.

Is "exterior in" grammatically correct?

While "exterior in" is used, it can sometimes sound awkward. Consider if a different preposition like "on" or "of" would provide more clarity in your sentence. For example, prefer "design on the exterior".

What's the difference between "exterior in" and "on the exterior"?

"Exterior in" suggests something is contained or manifest within the outer surface, while "on the exterior" indicates something is located directly on the surface. The latter is often more direct and clearer.