lingering outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is remaining in a place for an extended period, typically in a way that suggests hesitation or reluctance to leave. Example: "After the party ended, I found myself lingering outside, not wanting the night to end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

On lazy Sunday afternoons, they find themselves lingering outside real estate offices to study the apartment ads.

The New York Times

They were packed into houses that were then torched, with Lukic lingering outside to shoot any who tried to escape.

The Guardian

It has recently been cold in California — not as cold as in New York, but a cold that makes lingering outside unpleasant.

The New Yorker

They were told to be circumspect while getting in and out of their cars by not lingering outside, and not to park their cars ostentatiously on the streets.

The New York Times

Officers, they say, have harassed them and their customers by lingering outside shops, stopping cars and demanding to see driver's licenses.

The New York Times

We dutifully enjoy ourselves in all the ways we'd normally save till the summer: gardening, barbecuing and lingering outside long into the evening.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

After training, they lingered outside, telling jokes, arguing over the size of their respective biceps.

The New York Times - Sports

For many days, the press lingered outside, interviewing Miraflorans incensed at having Berenson in their midst.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though no campfires were permitted, there were reasons to linger outside tents.

The New York Times

It lingers outside doors, waits for the elevator and hovers at windows.

The Guardian - Arts

"If you have a patio, porch or deck, it makes you linger outside longer," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering outside" to describe a situation where someone is remaining in an outdoor area, often with a sense of hesitation, reluctance, or contemplation. For example, use it to describe waiting for someone or being unable to leave a place.

Common error

While "lingering outside" is acceptable, in highly formal writing contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "remaining" or "waiting" to maintain a professional tone. The phrase can sometimes imply a lack of urgency or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering outside" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting adjectivally or adverbially, modifying a noun or verb to describe an action or state of being. Ludwig provides examples where it depicts actions of remaining or waiting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering outside" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone remaining in an outdoor area, often with a sense of hesitation or contemplation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is mainly found in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives, such as "waiting outside" or "remaining outdoors", for academic or professional writing. Common usage involves describing scenarios where individuals are waiting, hesitating, or simply spending time in an external location. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining outdoors

Focuses on the act of staying in an open-air environment, shifting the emphasis from hesitation to location.

hanging around outside

Uses a more casual term "hanging around" which is an informal way of saying lingering.

waiting outside

Emphasizes the act of expecting or anticipating something, contrasting with the more passive nature of "lingering".

staying out

Indicates remaining away from an interior space, with a less formal tone than "lingering outside".

standing by outside

Indicates preparedness or readiness, contrasting with the potential hesitancy implied by "lingering outside".

loitering around

Suggests aimless or idle standing with possible negative connotations, which is not inherently present in "lingering outside".

idling outdoors

Highlights inactivity and lack of purpose, adding a layer not necessarily present in "lingering outside".

tarrying outdoors

Employs a more formal and somewhat archaic term "tarrying" to convey a leisurely delay.

dallying outside

Uses 'dallying' which suggests a more lighthearted and playful form of lingering.

dwelling in open air

Shifts the focus to inhabiting or residing in an outdoor setting, moving away from the temporary nature of "lingering".

FAQs

How can I use "lingering outside" in a sentence?

You can use "lingering outside" to describe someone remaining in an outdoor area, often with a sense of hesitation. For example: "He was "lingering outside" the building, unsure whether to go in."

What are some alternatives to "lingering outside"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "waiting outside", "remaining outdoors", or "hanging around outside".

Is "lingering outside" formal or informal?

"Lingering outside" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it's suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business writing.

What does "lingering outside" imply?

"Lingering outside" often implies a degree of hesitation, reluctance, or contemplation. It suggests that the person is not simply present but is remaining in a place for an extended period, possibly due to some internal conflict or indecision.