outdoors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "outdoors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to activities, places, or items that occur outside or in the open air. For example: "We like to spend our summer days outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year it rolled out projections on to the outside of Broadcasting House and three different sets of analysis — from Sophie Raworth outdoors, Emily Maitlis at the big screen and of course Jeremy Vine, this time performing among some slightly spooky breathing avatars of politicians and a literal House of Cards.

The Guardian

This is a real wilderness escape, though Hunstville has lively bars and restaurants, and the all-important outdoors outfitters stores.

The Guardian - Travel

I'd like to thank his science teacher in high school for giving him a love of chemistry, and I'd like to thank his Boy Scout leader who gave him such a love of the outdoors.

The Guardian

You can be outdoors, in a cellar, in a church, in a railway station, even in a phone box and hear a band.

The Guardian

Beyond that, simply spending more time outdoors – versus in front of the TV screen or computer monitor – equates to an overall increase in physical activity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are already planning an outdoors rally somewhere in Ramsgate just before polling day and a celebration for the night itself.

The Guardian

Those who are happy to spend most of their time outdoors could choose simple accommodation run by the Colonsay Estate, which owns two traditional stone bothies next to the backpackers' lodge.

The Guardian - Travel

underthethatch.co.uk, from £227 for a two-night stay or £1,000 a month including bills (ring 0844 5005 101 for the monthly rate) Minnesota, "the land of 10,000 lakes", also has 72 state parks, 58 state forests and numerous wildlife reserves, making it ideal for a month in the great outdoors.

The Guardian - Travel

This is about getting them outdoors," says Zarnaaz Bashir, director of health initiatives for the National Recreation and Park Association, a group that melds parks, recreation, the environment and now, health.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We weighed up their mini-pizza menu and decided to brave the outdoors.

The Guardian - Travel

One of the movement's objectives is also to wean the city's children from indoor video games to the free outdoors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outdoors" to describe activities or environments outside, especially when emphasizing nature or open space.

Common error

Don't limit "outdoors" solely to describing places. It can also modify nouns (e.g., "outdoors equipment") or function as an adverb (e.g., "They went outdoors").

Linguistic Context

Outdoors functions primarily as a noun referring to the open or natural environment, or as an adverb indicating location or direction outside a building. As Ludwig AI suggests, it commonly describes activities or settings in the open air.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "outdoors" is a versatile word, functioning as both a noun and an adverb, primarily denoting environments and activities in the open air or natural settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It is frequently found in travel, lifestyle, and news reporting, suggesting its wide applicability. While the phrase is grammatically sound and very common, it's important to appreciate its flexibility, particularly when describing locations or modifying other nouns. The related phrases provide useful substitutes such as "in the open air", "outside", and "in nature", offering nuanced ways to express the concept of being beyond enclosed spaces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the open air

Focuses on the characteristic of being exposed to the air, emphasizing the lack of enclosure.

open-air

Similar to "in the open air", emphasizing the lack of a roof or enclosure.

out-of-doors

An older, slightly more formal synonym for "outdoors".

in nature

Highlights the connection with the natural world, suggesting an unspoiled or uncultivated environment.

outside

A more general term indicating location beyond an enclosed space.

amidst nature

Emphasizes being surrounded by natural elements.

alfresco

Primarily used to describe activities like dining or recreation that take place outside.

in the countryside

Specifies a rural setting, away from urban areas.

in the wilds

Suggests a remote, untamed natural environment.

out in the elements

Highlights exposure to weather conditions, such as sun, rain, or wind.

FAQs

How can I use "outdoors" in a sentence?

You can use "outdoors" as a noun (e.g., "She enjoys the outdoors"), or as an adverb (e.g., "Let's go outdoors").

What words can I use instead of "outdoors"?

You can use alternatives like "in the open air", "outside", or "in nature", depending on the context.

Is "outdoors" a noun, an adverb, or both?

"Outdoors" can function as both a noun (referring to the open environment) and an adverb (indicating location or direction outside).

What's the difference between "outdoors" and "outside"?

"Outside" is a general term for being external to a building or defined space. "Outdoors" often implies a natural or open-air setting and can evoke a sense of nature, freedom, or recreation that "outside" may not.