outside the gate

USAGE SUMMARY

"outside the gate" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a location that is beyond the gate. For example: "He waited outside the gate for his mother to come home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I knew who was outside the gate.

The New York Times

It's a different world outside the gate".

The New York Times

Outside the gate, people waited to flag down yellow taxis.

The New Yorker

Coffins have to be unloaded from hearses outside the gate.

The New York Times

A group of girls was waiting outside the gate.

The New York Times - Sports

Outside the gate passed the goose-girl and the woodsmen.

The New York Times - Books

Gendry collapses — but he's right outside the gate!

The New Yorker

It assaults the nose 10 feet outside the gate.

The New York Times

Now I would probably be protesting outside the gate".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

After the sermon, hundreds of opposition supporters were outside the gates, chanting slogans against Ahmadinejad.

Independent

Back at the compound though, not much action was visible from outside the gates.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outside the gate" in creative writing, consider the symbolic implications of being inside versus outside a defined boundary. It can represent safety versus danger, inclusion versus exclusion, or the known versus the unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "outside the gate" when a more specific location is needed. For example, instead of "They were waiting outside the gate", specify "They were waiting near the entrance of the park" if the park is the intended location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the gate" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial of place, modifying a verb or clause to specify location. Ludwig confirms that "outside the gate" is a usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outside the gate" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a location beyond a defined barrier. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to specify location with a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to consider context and choose more specific language when needed. As Ludwig examples show, "outside the gate" suggests a physical boundary, frequently encountered in scenarios involving security, access control or spatial separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately outside the perimeter

Focuses on the area directly beyond a defined boundary.

beyond the entrance

Specifies a location past the point of entry.

in the area beyond the sally port

Refers specifically to the space outside a gate in a fortification.

just past the barrier

Highlights proximity to an obstruction or dividing line.

on the other side of the portal

Emphasizes crossing a threshold to another location.

exterior to the enclosure

More formal way of indicating a location external to a confined space.

outwith the portcullis

A more archaic or regional way to describe being outside a gate.

in front of the barricade

Highlights the position before a defensive structure.

on the road beyond the main entrance

Specifically mentions location on the road instead of the gate.

at the periphery of the compound

Indicates a location on the outer edge of an enclosed area.

FAQs

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

You can use "outside the gate" to indicate a location that is beyond a physical barrier. For example, "The protesters gathered "outside the gate" of the factory".

What does it mean to be "outside the gate"?

Being "outside the gate" typically refers to being in a location that is beyond the confines of an enclosed or restricted area. It can also have metaphorical meanings, depending on context.

What's the difference between "outside the door" and "outside the gate"?

While both indicate a location beyond a barrier, "outside the door" implies a building or room entrance, whereas "outside the gate" suggests a larger enclosed area, such as a fortress, a park or a factory.

Which is more appropriate, "beyond the entrance" or "outside the gate"?

The choice depends on the context. "Beyond the entrance" is more general and can refer to any entry point, while "outside the gate" specifically refers to a gate, often implying a more fortified or controlled access point.