outside the building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside the building" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe the physical environment or location of an object or person outside or near the building, typically one in which the speaker is inside. Example sentence: We watched in awe as the fireworks bursted in the night sky outside the building.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Outside, the building had a slightly art moderne cast.

The New York Times

Outside, the building was blue and silver steel.

The New Yorker

From the outside the building looks brand new.

The Guardian - Travel

From the outside, the building is very understated.

Huffington Post

As we headed outside, the building had emptied out.

Vice

Two military vehicles parked outside the building.

The New Yorker

Outside the building, predictions vary wildly.

The Guardian

There is no sign outside the building.

The Guardian

The key was moved outside the building.

The New York Times

The pen was found outside the building.

The New York Times

There were often armed men milling outside the building.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, use "outside the building" to clearly indicate a location distinct from the interior. For example, "The protesters gathered "outside the building" to voice their concerns."

Common error

While "outside of the building" isn't strictly incorrect, "outside the building" is generally more concise and preferred in formal writing. Opt for the shorter version for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the building" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase or prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. It specifies where an action occurs or where something is situated, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outside the building" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a location or setting, as validated by Ludwig. It is generally deemed grammatically correct and is widely used across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While phrases like "exterior of the building" and "surrounding the building" offer similar meanings, "outside the building" provides a concise and universally understood way to describe the area adjacent to a structure. Remember to use "outside the building" instead of "outside of the building" for improved clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exterior of the building

Focuses on the architectural aspect and physical structure.

external to the building

Emphasizes being separate or detached from the building.

on the building's outer surface

Specifies the outermost layer or visible part of the building.

beyond the confines of the building

Highlights the limit or boundary set by the building's structure.

surrounding the building

Refers to the area immediately around the building.

in the vicinity of the building

Indicates proximity or nearness to the building.

off the premises

Suggests a departure or removal from the building's location.

at the building's perimeter

Emphasizes the boundary line or edge of the building.

on the grounds

Relates to the land or property around the building.

away from the structure

Implies a movement or distance from the physical building.

FAQs

How can I use "outside the building" in a sentence?

Use "outside the building" to specify a location or action occurring in the area external to the building, for example: "The delivery truck is parked "outside the building"."

Are there any alternatives to the phrase "outside the building"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "exterior of the building", "surrounding the building", or "on the grounds".

Is it better to say "outside the building" or "outside of the building"?

"Outside the building" is generally considered more concise and preferred in formal writing. While "outside of the building" is also acceptable, the shorter version is often clearer.

What does "outside the building" generally refer to?

The phrase "outside the building" typically refers to the area or environment immediately adjacent to and not within the physical structure of a building. It can encompass sidewalks, parking lots, or landscapes.