more run-down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more run-down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in a worse condition than before or compared to something else. Example: "The neighborhood has become more run-down over the years, with many buildings falling into disrepair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Despite its more run-down atmosphere, there are people who consider White Plains downright cozy.

The New York Times

To be honest, it's more run-down garden shed than office.

The Guardian - Sport

Later migrant groups, notably Southern blacks and Latin Americans, generally dominate the more run-down neighbourhoods of the inner cities.

Britannica

"It's more run-down than it used to be," Oz said as we climbed a few steps and looked at a small back garden.

The New Yorker

The IOC initially rejected Rio's bid for the 2012 Games, that would have been held in the more run-down areas of the Ilha do Governador.

The Guardian - Sport

Some, including the military labs at Porton Down, are world class, but others, such as the Institute for Animal health at Pirbright are reportedly more run-down.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Leon, the old colonial capital, is home to the nation's main university but is more run down.

The Guardian - Travel

"We give people subsistence -- it's not a complete diet -- so people slowly get more and more run down," one foreign expert said.

The New York Times

"What we have here is an old plant, getting older and more run down," said Mark Jacobs, director of the Westchester People's Action Coalition, an environmental group.

The New York Times

As his taxi rolls past "rows of uniform houses, which seemed the more run down the closer we got to the city centre," Sebald reflects on the fate of this mighty place, one of the engines of the Victorian age, now more like "a necropolis or mausoleum".

The New Yorker

One more run down the ramp, several flips, twists, turns and a landing -- a trick Bergoust had performed thousands of times -- and Bergoust would once again be standing on an Olympic medal platform, a stage bequeathed to him long before the 2002 Games began.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more entities, use "more run-down" to effectively illustrate a difference in their state of disrepair. For example, "This part of town is much "more run-down" than the other side".

Common error

Avoid using "more run-down" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary, such as "more dilapidated" or "more deteriorated", to convey the desired meaning with greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more run-down" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun, indicating that it is in a greater state of disrepair or poorer condition than another noun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more run-down" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adjective phrase used to compare the state of disrepair between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its register is generally neutral, more formal contexts might benefit from stronger synonyms like "more dilapidated" or "more deteriorated". It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When aiming for clarity and impact, consider the context and audience when choosing between "more run-down" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more dilapidated

Replaces "run-down" with a synonym emphasizing neglect and disrepair.

more decrepit

Similar to dilapidated, but implies age and feebleness.

more deteriorated

Focuses on the process of decline or decay.

more ramshackle

Suggests a state of disrepair and instability.

more neglected

Highlights the lack of care and maintenance.

more shabby

Implies a worn and faded condition.

more seedy

Suggests a run-down and disreputable condition.

more decayed

Focuses on decomposition and rotting.

more tumbledown

Emphasizes the state of collapse or ruin.

more decaying

Similar to deteriorated but with a stronger sense of ongoing decomposition.

FAQs

How can I use "more run-down" in a sentence?

You can use "more run-down" to compare the condition of two or more places or objects, indicating which is in a greater state of disrepair. For instance, "This apartment building is "more run-down" than the one across the street."

What are some alternatives to saying "more run-down"?

Alternatives include "more dilapidated", "more decrepit", or "more deteriorated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "more run-down" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "more run-down" might be considered informal for some formal contexts. Consider using stronger synonyms like "more dilapidated" or "more deteriorated" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "more run-down" and "rundown"?

"Rundown" is a single word describing something in poor condition. "More run-down" is a comparative phrase used to indicate that something is in worse condition than something else. For instance, "This house is "more run-down" than that one" while "This is a rundown house."