it was dilapidated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dilapidated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a building or structure that is in a state of disrepair or ruin. Example: "The old mansion, once a grand estate, was now dilapidated, with broken windows and crumbling walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was dilapidated and the floors slanted.

The New York Times

It was dilapidated, but it was great to have a back and front yard and a clothesline.

Princeton University

It was dilapidated, now the nursery had moved out to Chantilly, but he dreaded the idea of pulling it down.

The Economist

When Irene Gambino first visited what would become her family's apartment in Milan, it was dilapidated and smelled bad.

The New York Times

Her voice has never been pretty or in tune, but at this concert it was dilapidated whenever she wasn't shouting, and it flagged as the short set went on.

The New York Times - Arts

Mark Kalinin, a graphic designer, found this space in early 2011: it was dilapidated and crumbling, and the owner offered to rent it at a reduced rate if the tenants took charge of everything, from door hinges to plumbing.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Much of it is dilapidated and most people want to move out and up.

The Economist

"It's dilapidated and obsolete, sure, but I could say the same thing about the apartment where I grew up, in Bayside, Queens," said Howie Rose, the Mets' play-by-play broadcaster on WFAN.

The New York Times - Sports

It is dilapidated".

Forbes

The typical (and outdated) take on the city is that it is dilapidated and dirty and there is not much to see except for the outsized architectural ego of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

BBC

The old ground was dilapidated but had character and it was part of you".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was dilapidated" to vividly describe the poor condition of a building, object, or system, emphasizing its state of disrepair due to neglect or age.

Common error

Avoid using "it was dilapidated" to describe temporary or superficial damage. Dilapidation implies a significant and lasting state of disrepair, not just a minor flaw or recent incident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dilapidated" functions as a descriptive expression, typically serving as a predicate adjective that portrays the state or condition of a subject. Ludwig's examples show it is most often used to describe physical structures such as buildings or infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was dilapidated" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something in a state of disrepair. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts and is used to vividly convey the poor condition of buildings, infrastructure, or other physical objects. While its formality is neutral, making it suitable for a range of writing styles, it's essential to reserve it for situations involving significant and lasting damage, rather than minor or temporary issues. The analysis of Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was run-down

Emphasizes a gradual decline in condition.

it was in ruins

Suggests a more severe state of destruction.

it was in disrepair

Focuses on the lack of maintenance and repair.

it was ramshackle

Implies a poorly constructed or maintained state.

it was crumbling

Highlights the process of decay and disintegration.

it was neglected

Focuses on the lack of care and attention.

it was decaying

Emphasizes the organic process of decomposition.

it was derelict

Suggests abandonment and neglect.

it was disintegrating

Highlights a breaking down into smaller parts.

it was deteriorating

Focuses on a gradual decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "it was dilapidated" in a sentence?

You can use "it was dilapidated" to describe something in a state of disrepair, such as "The old house "it was dilapidated" after years of neglect".

What's the difference between "it was dilapidated" and "it was run-down"?

"It was dilapidated" suggests a more advanced state of decay than "it was run-down". Dilapidated implies significant structural or cosmetic damage, while run-down suggests general wear and tear.

Which is more formal, "it was dilapidated" or "it was in disrepair"?

"It was in disrepair" is slightly more formal than "it was dilapidated". Both are suitable for professional contexts, but "in disrepair" may sound more technical.

What can I say instead of "it was dilapidated" to describe a city?

To describe a city, you could use alternatives like "it was decaying", "it was neglected", or "it was rundown", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.