open yard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open yard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outdoor area that is not enclosed, often associated with a property or a specific location. Example: "The children played freely in the open yard, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They dart across an open yard to avoid shots from an unfinished building next door nicknamed "the sniper house".

The New York Times

Across town is a former school known as Tuol Sleng, a cluster of rundown concrete buildings round an open yard.

The Guardian - Travel

These documents reveal that the Fortune had a circular, open yard, approximately 55 feet (17 metres) in diameter, surrounded by three tiers of galleries.

Britannica

The house, with its paneled shutters and open yard, reflects the architecture of the shanties that once dotted Puerto Rico's mountainsides and coasts.

The New York Times

The open yard full of chickens and children in front of their new home reminds Preity of the fields and trees she left behind, and of the friends she misses.

The Guardian

About 1,800 canisters containing 1,621 tons of the carcinogenic chemical warfare agent will be moved to the structures from an open yard, where they have been stored since World War II.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Outside of the bodega, crumbling walls, open yards and part of the Gothic roof of the church are visible.

Wikipedia

By 1895 the brewery was equipped with "an expensive plant...excellent stores and cellars, spacious covered and open yards, offices, stabling [and] workshops".

Wikipedia

Junkyards rebel against the very term "junkyard," preferring "automotive dismantler" instead and moving away from the kind of operations in which cars sat rusting in open yards, protected by mean dogs and surly office personnel.

Los Angeles Times

The immediate kitchen compounds were open yards with bare, loose sandy soil and no fence, referred to as a kitchen yard or yard in this report.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Seven weeks after having a life-saving operation to repair a right hind leg that was shattered in a catastrophic misstep in the opening yards of the Preakness Stakes, Barbaro has had a setback in his recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a property or location, use "open yard" to clearly convey the presence of an outdoor area that is not enclosed by fences or walls.

Common error

Avoid using "open yard" when referring to areas that are actually fenced or walled, as this contradicts the meaning of "open". Use "enclosed yard" to refer to a space which is surrounded by a fence or wall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open yard" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing physical spaces, such as areas near buildings or in natural settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open yard" is a common noun phrase used to describe an unenclosed outdoor area. Grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news reports, scientific studies, and general information sources. Its communicative purpose is mainly descriptive, specifying the nature of an outdoor space. While the register is mostly neutral, analysis of Ludwig examples reveals it's more prevalent in news, science, and wiki contexts. To enhance clarity in writing, it's recommended to use "open yard" when explicitly referring to a space without fences or walls, avoiding its use for enclosed areas. Related terms include "unfenced area" or "outdoor space".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfenced area

Emphasizes the lack of enclosure, similar to an "open yard".

outdoor space

Broader term encompassing any area outside a building or structure.

exterior area

Refers to the outside part of a building or location.

unenclosed courtyard

Specifically describes a courtyard without a roof or walls.

outdoor enclosure

Highlights that it's a space outside, though it may not be a yard.

open-air ground

Underscores the lack of covering from above.

clear ground

Focuses on the unobstructed nature of the area.

exposed lot

Implies a piece of land that is not sheltered.

vacant ground

Highlights that the space is unused or empty.

exterior compound

Indicates an open area associated with a building or group of buildings.

FAQs

How can I use "open yard" in a sentence?

You can use "open yard" to describe a variety of outdoor spaces. For example, "The children played in the "open yard"" or "The building has an "open yard" for storage."

What is a synonym for "open yard"?

Synonyms for "open yard" include "unfenced area", "outdoor space", or "exterior area".

Is it correct to say "a open yard" or "an open yard"?

The correct form is "an open yard" because "open" begins with a vowel sound, requiring the indefinite article "an".

What's the difference between an "open yard" and a "backyard"?

An "open yard" simply means an unenclosed outdoor area. A "backyard" is specifically the area behind a house, which may or may not be enclosed.