in front of the store

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in front of the store" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a location that is directly outside or facing the entrance of a store. Example: "I parked my car in front of the store while I went inside to shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There was a line in front of the store.

The New Yorker

There was a space right in front of the store.

The New York Times - Books

We had sandbags from Irene and we put them in front of the store".

The New York Times - Food

The Garmin did not find it even when I was parked in front of the store.

The New York Times - Tech

A young man is fast asleep in front of the store.

The New York Times

But there she was yesterday, gamely shoveling the sidewalk in front of the store.

The New York Times

And there is an added advantage; the school bus stop is in front of the store.

The New York Times

Four times a year, he holds adoption events in front of the store.

The New York Times

Then he ran back here in front of the store and changed his ammunition clip".

The New York Times

Elisa leaned back against the metal gate in front of the store.

The New Yorker

The man turned to a group of men standing in front of the store.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions or describing a scene, clarify whether "in front of the store" means directly adjacent to the entrance or merely facing the store across a street or parking lot.

Common error

Avoid using "in front of the store" when you mean inside the store near the entrance. Specify "inside, near the entrance" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in front of the store" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate location. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes a spatial relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in front of the store" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a location immediately outside the entrance of a store. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and understood. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Alternatives include "outside the store" or "at the store entrance", though "in front of the store" offers a specific sense of location. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about whether you mean directly at the entrance or merely facing the store. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "in front of the store" remains a reliable and effective way to describe this particular spatial relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the front of the shop

Synonymous and changes only the word 'store' with 'shop'.

outside the store

This is a more general term indicating a location external to the store, lacking the precision of being directly at the front.

before the store

A more general term indicating a location external to the store, lacking the precision of being directly at the front.

just outside the store

Highlights proximity to the store entrance.

at the store entrance

Focuses specifically on the point of entry, useful when the entrance itself is the focal point.

in the store's doorway

Emphasizes the immediate threshold of the store.

by the storefront

Highlights the facade or display area of the store.

on the store's threshold

Implies a location right at the entrance, often suggesting a transitional space.

near the shop's facade

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the architectural front of the store.

facing the store

Describes a position that looks directly towards the store, rather than being physically adjacent.

FAQs

What does "in front of the store" mean?

The phrase "in front of the store" typically refers to the area immediately outside the main entrance of a shop or business. It indicates a location that is directly facing or just before the entrance.

What can I say instead of "in front of the store"?

You can use alternatives like "outside the store", "at the store entrance", or "near the storefront" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "before the store" instead of "in front of the store"?

While "before the store" can sometimes work as a substitute, "in front of the store" is generally more precise when referring to the immediate area facing the entrance. "Before" can be more ambiguous.

How do I use "in front of the store" in a sentence?

You might say, "I saw a long line of people waiting "in front of the store" for the new product release" or "The delivery truck parked "in front of the store" to unload the merchandise."