imposing building

USAGE SUMMARY

'imposing building' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective phrase that describes the appearance of a large, impressive building. Example Sentence: I couldn't help but be awestruck by the imposing building situated on the edge of the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"In an imposing building" – in a brutalist tower block.

The Guardian - Books

The society has an imposing building that overlooks Central Park.

The New York Times - Arts

The station is an imposing building, a stone fortress that could be mistaken for a prison.

The New York Times

"That's the national museum," Fejzo said, pointing at an imposing building on the left.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's an imposing building with a doorman and lush gardens in front.

The New York Times

The most imposing building is St. Peter's Basilica, built during the 4th century and rebuilt during the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The change is also reflected in the self-consciously imposing building, constructed between 1903 and 1908, designed by York & Sawyer.

The New York Times - Arts

We entered the imposing building through the lobby, which is still under construction, at the end of picturesque Joralemon Street.

The New York Times

But the imposing building itself is still worth the journey, to examine both its exterior and its interior.

The New York Times

His offices occupy the top floor of the most imposing building in Gdansk's old town, the 16th-century Green Gate, once the residence of Poland's kings.

The Guardian

From 1936 and when John Lennon was a child, Strawberry Field was an imposing building, housing a large number of children who had been taken into care.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imposing building" when you want to convey that a structure has a powerful presence due to its size, design, or historical significance. It suggests more than just size; it implies a sense of awe or respect.

Common error

Avoid using "imposing building" when a simpler adjective like "large" or "tall" would suffice. Save it for instances where the building truly makes a strong impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposing building" functions as an adjective-noun construction, where "imposing" modifies the noun "building". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in written English. The adjective emphasizes the building's impressive or dominant nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imposing building" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a structure that commands attention due to its size, design, or historical significance. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity in English writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral to formal register. For variety, consider using alternatives like "grand edifice" or "majestic building". Remember to reserve the phrase for structures that truly make a strong impression to avoid overuse. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of power and importance beyond mere physical attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impressive structure

Focuses on the structural impressiveness rather than its imposing nature.

grand edifice

Emphasizes the size and grandeur of the building.

majestic building

Highlights the stateliness and dignity of the building.

stately building

Focuses on the dignified and impressive appearance of the building, often suggesting historical significance.

monumental structure

Implies the building is of significant size and importance, often as a monument.

dominant building

Emphasizes the building's prominence and command over its surroundings.

towering structure

Specifically refers to the height and commanding presence of the building.

striking building

Highlights how visually impressive and attention-grabbing the building is.

palatial building

Suggests the building is as magnificent as a palace, often implying luxury and grandeur.

formidable building

Focuses on the building's capacity to inspire awe or fear due to its size or strength.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "imposing building" in a sentence?

Use "imposing building" to describe structures that dominate their surroundings through size, design, or historical significance. For instance: "The cathedral was an "imposing building" that loomed over the town square."

What are some alternatives to "imposing building"?

Consider using alternatives like "grand edifice", "majestic building", or "monumental structure" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "imposing building" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "imposing building" is suitable for formal writing. It's frequently used in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts to describe significant structures.

What does "imposing building" imply beyond its physical appearance?

"Imposing building" suggests a sense of power, authority, or historical importance, not just physical size. It often evokes a feeling of awe or respect in the observer.