old-fashioned building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old-fashioned building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a structure that has a design or style characteristic of an earlier time period, often evoking nostalgia or historical significance. Example: "The town is known for its charming old-fashioned building that dates back to the 1800s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It was an ordinary semi-corner old-fashioned building on a platz," Miller wrote in her diary.

The Guardian

Jamie from Glasgow added: "I had a picture in my head that it was going to be an old-fashioned building.

The Guardian

The new building is to be constructed with old-fashioned building contracts, which give a higher degree of respect to architects' intentions than the contractor-led deals that are more common nowadays.

The Guardian - Arts

He and a dozen other students from the Child School/Legacy High School on Roosevelt Island were at the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, an oddly old-fashioned building on the Harlem River, accessible by a gangplank and a string of floating docks.

The New York Times

And because program analysis tools work better with modern languages like C# and Java and less well with programs written in C, programmers should avoid starting new projects in C or C++ just as it is unwise to start construction projects using old-fashioned building materials and techniques.

MIT Technology Review

By Maeve Brennan and St. Clair McKelway The New Yorker, March 5 , 1955P. 24 An old-fashioned artist friend of ours, who lives in Greenwich Village in an old-fashioned building infested by both rats and cats, has a problem.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Not in Kostroma, we were told, we don't have old-fashioned buildings like that here.

The Guardian - Travel

The Prince's populist affection for old-fashioned buildings turned out to be right at home in the Britain of Margaret Thatcher.... Tells about the disaster of Paternoster Square.

The New Yorker

The Prince's populist affection for old-fashioned buildings turned out to be right at home in the Britain of Margaret Thatcher.... Tells about the disaster of Paternoster Square..

The New Yorker

"I'm a nostalgic person, I like old-fashioned buildings and things but it's really grown on me now.

BBC

On the campus, it's a really cool style of modern and old-fashioned buildings.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a building, consider the specific architectural features or historical context that make it "old-fashioned". Be specific in your description to provide a clear and vivid picture to the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a building is "old-fashioned" without providing details. Instead, focus on specific elements like the building materials, architectural style, or interior design that evoke a sense of the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old-fashioned building" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "old-fashioned" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "building". It's used to specify the style or period of the building. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old-fashioned building" correctly describes a structure with a design reminiscent of an earlier era. While grammatically sound, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, consider using synonyms like "vintage building" or "historic building" for greater precision. According to Ludwig, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid vague descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

old-style building

A more direct synonym, emphasizing a style from the past.

vintage building

Emphasizes the building's age and potential value or collectibility.

antique building

Highlights the building's great age and historical value.

historic building

Highlights the building's significance in history.

heritage building

Emphasizes the building's cultural and historical importance.

traditional building

Focuses on the building adhering to conventional architectural styles.

period building

Refers to a building characteristic of a specific historical period.

bygone era architecture

Emphasizes that the style of building belongs to an era that no longer exists.

classic building

Implies the building has enduring quality and timeless appeal.

quaint building

Suggests the building is charming and unusual in an old-fashioned way.

FAQs

How can I use "old-fashioned building" in a sentence?

You can use "old-fashioned building" to describe a structure that has a design or style characteristic of an earlier time period. For example, "The town is known for its charming "old-fashioned building" that dates back to the 1800s."

What are some synonyms for "old-fashioned building"?

Alternatives include "vintage building", "historic building", or "traditional building", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What are the key features of an "old-fashioned building"?

Key features often include specific architectural styles from past eras, building materials like brick or stone, and interior details such as ornate moldings, high ceilings, and vintage fixtures.

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

Yes, "old-fashioned building" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when providing historical or descriptive context. However, consider using more precise terms like "period building" or "heritage building" for greater clarity.