house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "house" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a physical structure where people live or as a metaphor for a group or organization. Example: "After years of searching, they finally found their dream house in the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I met a man who sometimes lets me sleep at his house but I have to wait outside for him to come home at 10 or 11pm and I get very cold.

The Guardian

His tenure in the state house was rocky.

The Guardian

And while the Yale economist Robert Shiller has long advocated using markets to help individuals protect themselves against things like declining house prices or future unemployment, the chances of that happening now seem smaller than ever.

The Economist

He suggested that the Muslim communities he knew felt "under siege" – spied on, interrogated, routinely asked to "put their house in order" as if they were not, and had never been, an equal part of British society.

The Guardian

The prime minister also widened his attack on the Labour leader by saying that a picture of a house decked out in St George's flags in Rochester and Strood tweeted by Emily Thornberry showed that Labour "sneers" at hard-working people.

The Guardian

Most students are first-time house hunters and unfortunately there are landlords who will exploit their naivety.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Renewal of the expiring Patriot Act powers would come through the USA Freedom Act, a House-passed bill that extends their lifespan in exchange for killing the bulk US phone records surveillance exposed in 2013 by the Guardian, thanks to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

But Purnell said there was no intention to contract out big-rating BBC shows such as EastEnders to independent producers as part of director general Tony Hall's plans to open up in-house production to more competition.

The Guardian

Investigators were searching in dense forest and farmland with abandoned buildings, as well as using road blocks and conducting house-to-house checks.

The Guardian

The show takes the form of a week-long house-warming party, and is a look at contemporary migration, inspired by Chekhov's Three Sisters.

The Guardian

Some used the old white supremacist scare tactic of waving Confederate battle flags in front of the home of a black family – in this case, the White House.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "house", consider the emotional connotations of the word. Using "home" might be more appropriate if you want to emphasize feelings of comfort and belonging.

Common error

Avoid using "house" when you really mean "home". "House" refers to the physical structure, while "home" includes the emotional aspects and the people living there.

Linguistic Context

The word "house" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a building used as a dwelling. It can also function as a verb, meaning to provide housing. Ludwig shows various contexts, from physical structures to institutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "house" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun referring to a building serving as a dwelling. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While often interchangeable with "home", it's crucial to distinguish between the two: "house" refers to the physical structure, while "home" encompasses the emotional and personal aspects. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication. Related terms like "dwelling", "residence", and "abode" offer alternatives for specific contexts. By considering the emotional connotations and avoiding common errors, writers can use "house" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dwelling

Refers more generally to any structure used as a residence.

home

Emphasizes the personal and emotional aspects of a residence.

residence

A formal term for a place where someone lives.

abode

A literary term for a dwelling place.

household

Refers to the people living in a house.

building

A general term that can refer to any structure, including a house.

structure

Similar to building, but can also refer to non-residential constructions.

lodging

A temporary place to stay.

quarters

Often refers to military or shared accommodation.

domicile

A legal term for a person's permanent residence.

FAQs

What is the difference between "house" and "home"?

"House" refers to the physical building, while "home" includes the emotional and personal connections. You can have a house, but not feel at "home".

What can I say instead of "house"?

Depending on the context, you can use "dwelling", "residence", "abode", or "domicile".

Is it correct to say "the house is warm" or "the home is warm"?

Both can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The house is warm" focuses on the temperature of the building. "The home is warm" suggests a feeling of comfort and welcome.

When should I use "house" versus "household"?

"House" refers to the building, while "household" refers to the people who live in the house. For example, "This is my house" versus "My household consists of four people".