outlying region

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outlying region" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a place that is distant from larger cities or towns, especially one that is rural or less populated. For example, "Farmers in the outlying region have to travel farther to get supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But Olympic planners say there is great deal more at stake for the city as a whole, and for the outlying region.

The New York Times

Navalny lives in a small apartment in the outlying region of Marino, a grey suburb where he says little has changed in the past few years.

The Guardian

Like all good books, Campbell's study uncovers new questions for other researchers to take up". "This is an impressively researched and argued study of the construction of knowledge by an imperial power with the ultimate aim of subjugating and transforming an outlying region with an environment, population, way of life, economy and culture that was quite different to the empire's heartland.

Cornell University

The introduction of a roller coupled infinite top-plate is motivated by the hypothesis that losses associated with wave propagation into its outlying region equate, approximately, to losses inherent in a fully coupled finite top-plate associated with wave conversion (at the coupled boundaries) and then divergence and dissipation (within the structure).

Journal of Sound and Vibration

THE question of what it means to be from the American South is in some sense a complicated one, partly because of that region's traumatic and traumatising history and because it is still in some respects an outlying region of the United States.

The Economist

An episcopal see (according to tradition, founded by St. Mark) from about the middle of the 3rd century, Aquileia became in the 5th century the metropolitan see for Venetia and Istria as well as for the outlying region north and east.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There was greater language variance, especially in outlying regions away from major cities.

Britannica

In the red-light district, women are constantly arriving from outlying regions.

The Economist

"Now young people will drive more easily into outlying regions to work, yet continue living in the towns," he said.

The New York Times

During her visit, the special rapporteur met a number of farmers and women's cooperatives in outlying regions such as Midelt, Ouarzazate and Errachidia.

The Guardian

Already weak state control in outlying regions broke down as the army split into pro- and anti-Saleh factions and Al Qaeda militants occupied some areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location far from a city or center, consider if "outlying region" accurately conveys the degree of remoteness or administrative context. For example, a "remote area" may suit a wilderness setting better than an "outlying region".

Common error

Avoid using "outlying region" when simply referring to a general area without specific emphasis on its distance from a central point. Saying "the region" or "the area" would be better if you're not highlighting remoteness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outlying region" functions as a noun phrase, where "outlying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "region". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outlying region" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an area geographically distant from a central hub. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, highlights its appropriateness in neutral to professional contexts, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources. While semantically related options like "remote area" or "peripheral zone" exist, choosing the most fitting term requires careful consideration of the specific context. Remember to avoid using the phrase when simply referring to a general area; save it for instances where the distance from a central location is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote area

Replaces "outlying" with "remote", suggesting a greater degree of isolation.

peripheral zone

Uses more technical terms to describe the location at the edge of an area.

outer district

Substitutes "region" with "district", implying a more structured administrative division.

distant locality

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing the separation and specific location.

fringe territory

Implies a region on the very edge, possibly with less control or integration.

backcountry

Suggests a rural and less developed area far from urban centers.

hinterland

Refers to the rural area surrounding a more developed area.

suburban area

Specifically refers to residential areas on the outskirts of a city.

provincial area

Implies a region with a more traditional and less cosmopolitan character.

border region

Specifies a region located on or near a boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "outlying region" in a sentence?

You can use "outlying region" to describe an area that is situated far from a major city or center. For example, "The government is investing in infrastructure in the "outlying region" to improve access to services."

What's the difference between "outlying region" and "remote area"?

"Outlying region" often implies a location on the periphery of a larger administrative or economic area, while "remote area" emphasizes the isolation and difficulty of access, regardless of administrative boundaries.

What can I say instead of "outlying region"?

Alternatives include "peripheral zone", "distant locality", or "rural area", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "outlying region" formal or informal language?

"Outlying region" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for news articles, academic papers, and business reports. For more informal contexts, you might consider "backcountry" or other less technical terms.