outlying area

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outlying area" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to regions or locations that are situated away from the central or main part of a city or town. Example: "The new shopping center will be built in the outlying area, providing residents with more convenient access to retail options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"We still don't know if this is the center of the infestation or an outlying area," Mr. Gittleman said.

The New York Times

For those living in an outlying area, just a trip to hospital is more than many can afford.

The Economist

And the outlying area of Truchas, where the land drops down to canyon and Mr. Ortega is building his house, is so breathtaking it can make you gasp.

The New York Times

The group is in control of Eastern Ghouta, a significant outlying area in the capital region that has been under the control of opposition forces.

Independent

The storm, which killed two people here, tore apart buildings and unearthed 100-year-old 100-year-old 100-year-old oaknearly 17,000 and treesutleftg area withistownhofpital or clinearlyat could handle emergencies.

The New York Times

The Uralasbest mine is so close by that a few years ago the mayor's office and the company relocated residents from one outlying area to expand its gaping pit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The city also has an efficient rail system that connects major neighborhoods and outlying areas.

The New York Times - Travel

Officials in Gwadar say the main town is safe, even if trouble remains in outlying areas.

The Guardian

However, that number is expected to rise significantly as reports come in from outlying areas.

The Guardian

To keep them in the fold, Trinity built a system of chapels in outlying areas.

The New York Times

Foreclosures have surged in Southern California in the last year, particularly in outlying areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific regions, follow "outlying area" with details to provide geographical context. For example: "the outlying area of the city" or "the outlying area of the forest".

Common error

Be mindful of the context; "outlying area" refers to a geographical region, while "outlying estate" typically denotes a property located far from a city. Do not interchange the two.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outlying area" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a geographical descriptor. It indicates a region situated at a distance from a central location. Ludwig examples show it referring to different regions, such as those near cities or even within countries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outlying area" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned term used to describe regions distant from a central location. Ludwig examples show its utility in diverse contexts, from news reports to encyclopedia entries. While not exceedingly common, it is readily understandable and serves a clear descriptive function. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to specify the region being referenced. As confirmed by Ludwig, this term is appropriate for general usage but be mindful of potential confusion with similar terms like "outlying estate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote district

Emphasizes the isolation and distance of the area.

peripheral zone

Highlights the location on the edge or boundary of a region.

suburban vicinity

Focuses on residential areas located outside the city center.

external region

Describes an area situated on the outside of something.

distant locality

Stresses the considerable distance from a central place.

outermost sector

Refers to a section located furthest from the center.

rural perimeter

Indicates the outer boundary of a rural or agricultural region.

fringe territory

Suggests an area that is on the edge or margin of a larger region.

back country

Implies a remote and undeveloped area.

hinterland

Refers to the remote areas lying inland from a coast or the banks of a river.

FAQs

How to use "outlying area" in a sentence?

Use "outlying area" to describe a region situated away from the center of a town or city. For instance, "The new hospital will serve patients in the "outlying area"".

What's the difference between "outlying area" and "suburb"?

"Outlying area" is a general term for a distant region, whereas "suburb" specifically refers to a residential area located on the periphery of a city. A "outlying area" might include rural or industrial zones, not just residential ones like a suburb.

What can I say instead of "outlying area"?

You can use alternatives like "remote district", "peripheral zone", or "suburban vicinity" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an outlying area" or "the outlying area"?

Both are correct depending on the context. Use "an outlying area" when referring to one of several such areas. Use "the outlying area" when referring to a specific, known area.