old building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a structure that has been around for a long time, often implying historical significance or age. Example: "The old building at the corner of Main Street has been a landmark in the town for over a century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Old building or beach?

The Guardian - Travel

Or old building?

The Guardian - Travel

"It's a very old building".

Independent

It's a gorgeous old building.

The New York Times

"I came in this old building.

The New Yorker

The old building will be demolished.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The century-old building had been renovated.

The New York Times

condo in a 4-year-old building; 24-hr.

The New York Times

Rehabbing the 100-year-old building didn't quite work out.

The New York Times

The 79-year-old building itself is not closing.

The New York Times

penthouse condo in a 3-year-old building; 24-hr.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of the "old building", use specific adjectives to convey its condition, such as "dilapidated old building" or "restored old building".

Common error

Avoid vague intensifiers like "very" or "really" when describing an "old building". Instead, use precise adjectives like "ancient", "historic", or "decrepit" to provide a clearer picture to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old building" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "old", which modifies the noun "building", to specify the age of the structure. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old building" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe a structure of advanced age. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. While broadly applicable, context can be enhanced by more descriptive terms such as "historic building" or "vintage building", depending on the specific qualities you wish to emphasize. The phrase is most commonly found in news and academic contexts and is suitable for neutral to semi-formal communication. For more impactful writing, consider specific adjectives beyond "old" to provide richer detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Historic building

Emphasizes the historical significance of the building.

Ancient structure

Implies a very old age, possibly of archaeological interest.

Long-standing building

Highlights the building's continuous presence over time.

Vintage building

Suggests a building from a specific era, often valued for its design.

Aged construction

Focuses on the state of being old and potentially deteriorated.

Retro building

Describes the building that is reminiscent of past fashions or trends.

Time-honored edifice

A more formal term implying respect and tradition.

Early building

Suggests that the building was built early in the history of a town or region.

Quaint building

Refers to the building that is attractively unusual or old-fashioned.

Building of yesteryear

A poetic or nostalgic way to refer to a building from the past.

FAQs

How can I describe the age of a building without using "old building"?

You can use phrases like "historic building", "vintage building", or "ancient structure" to describe the age of a building depending on the context and level of formality.

What is the difference between a "historic building" and an "old building"?

While an "old building" simply denotes age, a "historic building" typically has cultural or historical significance. Not all old buildings are historic, but all historic buildings are old.

Is it appropriate to use "old building" in formal writing?

While "old building" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "time-honored edifice" or "vintage building" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Can "old building" be used to describe a recently abandoned building?

Technically, yes, but it might be misleading. Consider using phrases like "abandoned building", "derelict structure", or "vacant building" to emphasize its current state of disuse rather than its age.