homes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "homes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple residences or places where people live. Example: "The neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes and friendly community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is regrettable when homes need to be demolished, but Annington's decision to redevelop the estate will see an increase in the number of homes by more than 100%, from 142 to 288, and the inclusion of 20% affordable homes will see a minimum of 59 created where there were none before.

The Guardian

After Buhari lost to Jonathan in 2011, 800 people died and 65,000 were forced from their homes by riots in the north.

The Guardian

Many of our citizens have been threatened and driven from their overseas homes by vicious mobs shouting "Death to America".

The New York Times

The governor's work leading New Jersey through the recovery from the storm, which damaged more than 360,000 homes and businesses, helped cement his national reputation as a no-nonsense, hard-driving governor willing to work closely with Democrats to get things done.

The Guardian

Police believe the man - a gerontophile with a predilection for elderly women - has broken into the homes of 98 pensioners in south-east London over the past 16 years, raping four of them and indecently assaulting 24.

The Guardian

Smith quoted from a 1953 report by Kathleen Forest, an inspector for the government's home affairs department, who wrote: "I find these homes utterly depressing and it appals me to think that these hundreds of children are being reared in bleak lovelessness".

The Guardian

The treatment of children in church-run residential homes is a key concern of the investigation, which is chaired by the retired judge Sir Anthony Hart and is considering cases between 1922 – when Northern Ireland was founded – and 1995.

The Guardian

During evidence on the behaviour of nuns from the Sisters of Nazareth order at two Catholic church-run children's homes in Derry, the inquiry heard that children were beaten for bedwetting and had soiled sheets placed on their heads to humiliate them.

The Guardian

Moreover, if the new government stands in the way of women achieving equal citizenship they will not simply return to life under the veil, toiling obediently in their homes.

The Guardian

She explained that the sortie began with military precision around 9pm on Monday, that all of those who attacked their homes were wearing surgical gloves, masks and combat uniforms, that they arrived with wheelie bins stuffed with bricks, bottles and other missiles, and that the entire attack appeared to be well organised.

The Guardian

Because the money is a one-off and must be spent immediately, councils will use it largely to buy in extra services such as care agency support for people in their own homes and short-term places in residential homes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a community or neighborhood, use "homes" to convey a sense of warmth and belonging, rather than just referring to structures.

Common error

Avoid using "homes" excessively in formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "residences" or "dwellings" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "homes" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple residences or dwellings. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples demonstrating its role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "homes" functions as a plural noun referring to multiple residences, often with an emotional connotation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically correct and versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing, where alternatives like "residences" or "dwellings" may be more suitable. Overall, "homes" is a common and effective way to describe places where people live, conveying a sense of community and belonging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Houses

A simple and direct synonym for "homes", referring to buildings used as residences.

Residences

Focuses on the physical structures where people live, emphasizing their architectural or structural aspects.

Family residences

Highlights that houses are inhabited by families.

Dwellings

A more formal term for places where people live, often used in official or legal contexts.

Private residences

Highlights that residences are private.

Habitations

Emphasizes the act of living or dwelling in a place, suggesting a more prolonged or permanent stay.

Living spaces

Focuses on the interior areas where people spend their time, emphasizing functionality and comfort.

Places of residence

A formal and somewhat bureaucratic term for where someone lives, often used in official documentation.

Real estate properties

Highlights the investment aspect of homes, referring to them as assets in the real estate market.

Domestic environments

Emphasizes the social and emotional aspects of homes, referring to them as settings for family life.

FAQs

How do I use "homes" in a sentence?

Use "homes" to refer to multiple residences or dwellings. For example, "The neighborhood is known for its beautiful "homes" and friendly community."

What can I say instead of "homes"?

You can use alternatives like "houses", "residences", or "dwellings" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "homes" when referring to a single family's residence?

While "homes" is typically plural, it can be used to describe the collective idea of residences in general. For a single residence, "home" is more appropriate.

What is the difference between "houses" and "homes"?

"Houses" refers to the physical structures, while "homes" often carries an emotional connotation, implying warmth, comfort, and family. In some contexts they are interchangeable.