indoors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indoors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the inside of a building or space, as opposed to the outdoors or an exterior location. For example, "We had a picnic indoors because of the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At three public transport stops and people head home and indoors to wait.

The Guardian - Travel

Stepping indoors from the searing subcontinental July heat, Kalavathi takes a seat in her office at the end of a long corridor decorated with scientific symbols and multiplication tables.

The Guardian

You could also add location data picked up from GPS, the global positioning satellite network, and from wireless "tags" added to the environment, "because GPS doesn't work very well indoors," laughs Schwarz.

The Guardian - Tech

– David Cameron, who had to move his jubilee party indoors as rain soaked Downing Street "It was thought I would not look elegant in the Lycra" – London mayor Boris Johnson explaining why he turned down the offer of an oar on Gloriana for a place on the Havengore, the launch which carried the coffin of Winston Churchill to his funeral.

The Guardian

An actual bike is a great addition to your outfit, as anyone who has shared a house with someone who keeps theirs in the hallway will tell you, there's nothing more annoying than people who carry bikes indoors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Colorado, temperatures fell into the teens – and are expected to stay there through Thursday – prompting officials to move a Veterans Day ceremony indoors in Denver.

The Guardian

He hopes to eventually fit air source heat pumps - which extract warmth from outdoor air and transfer it indoors for heating - and solar hot water systems in customers' homes.

The Guardian

At the beginning, when the curfew was clamped down at 6pm, there was a nightly rush for transport, public and private, as people scrambled to get indoors promptly.

The Guardian

Rather than just sitting indoors and waiting interminably for them to pass, I embrace feeling the winter rain against my face, or basking in the brief appearance of thin sunshine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The kitchens, one indoors, one out, are superb and there are one-day or week-long cookery lessons for the enthusiastic.

The Guardian - Travel

"In the summer, we just hang out indoors all day and spend from our pockets [what has been made in busier times].

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indoors" to clearly indicate movement or location within a building, contrasting with the "outdoors". For example, "The children came indoors when it started to rain."

Common error

Avoid using "indoor" when "indoors" is required. "Indoor" is an adjective (e.g., "indoor pool"), while "indoors" is an adverb (e.g., "Let's go indoors").

Linguistic Context

The word "indoors" functions primarily as an adverb, indicating a location or direction towards the inside of a building or enclosed space. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Travel

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "indoors" is used to indicate being or moving inside a building, as opposed to being outside. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's important to distinguish "indoors" from the adjective "indoor". As a very common term, it appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle. When writing, ensure that "indoors" is used to modify a verb and to specify direction or location inside a structure, making the communication precise and clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inside

A simpler and more direct synonym, often interchangeable with "indoors".

within the building

More descriptive, specifying the location as being inside a structure.

in the interior

More formal and emphasizes the internal space.

into the building

Focuses on the action of entering a building.

under cover

Implies protection from the elements, focusing on shelter.

in the house

Specifically refers to being inside a house, rather than any building.

in the shelter

Emphasizes the safety and protection provided by being inside.

within the walls

Suggests enclosure and security.

beneath the roof

Highlights the protection offered by a roofed structure.

in an enclosed area

Broader, referring to any enclosed space, not just buildings.

FAQs

How is "indoors" used in a sentence?

"Indoors" is typically used as an adverb to indicate location or movement inside a building. For example, "We decided to stay "indoors" because of the storm".

What is the difference between "indoor" and "indoors"?

"Indoor" is an adjective that describes something located or done inside (e.g., "indoor sports"), while "indoors" is an adverb that indicates being or moving inside a building (e.g., "Let's go "indoors"").

What can I say instead of "indoors"?

You can use alternatives like "inside", "within the building", or "under cover" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "indoor" when you mean "indoors"?

No, using "indoor" when you mean "indoors" is grammatically incorrect. "Indoor" is an adjective, while "indoors" is an adverb. For example, it's correct to say "indoor pool" but incorrect to say "Let's go indoor"; instead, say "Let's go "indoors"".