outside the residence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside the residence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the area or space that is located beyond the boundaries of a home or dwelling. Example: "The children were playing outside the residence while their parents prepared dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A bombing on Sunday outside the residence of a conservative ayatollah killed three men.

The New York Times

Her purse was missing from her home, and her two cocker spaniels were found outside the residence by a neighbor.

The New York Times

The bomb, made from a cooking-gas cylinder, exploded outside the residence of the cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Said al-Hakim.

The New York Times

The Anchorage police department confirmed on Thursday that a "verbal and physical altercation" had taken place outside the residence, where a party was being held in part to celebrate Todd Palin's 50th birthday.

The Guardian

Earlier this month, Mushtaq Sukhera, the inspector general of the Baluchistan police, escaped an assassination attempt when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden minivan just outside the residence of the police chief.

The New York Times

A1 A crude bomb exploded outside the residence of a leading Shiite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Said al-Hakim, in the holy city of Najaf, slightly wounding him and killing three of his bodyguards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Tip the mezuzah on the screw so the bottom part is oriented toward the outside of the residence.

WikiHow

When Moreland's boyfriend walked outside of the residence where Moreland and Hodgkinson's foster daughter were, he allegedly aimed a shotgun at the boyfriend and later fired one round.

The New Yorker

"A preliminary investigation by police revealed that a party had been taking place at a nearby residence and a fight had broken out between multiple subjects outside of the residence," she added.

The Guardian

Several studies have evaluated household and other determinants of house dust endotoxin [ 8, 10], and of airborne endotoxin inside and outside of the residence of pediatric subjects [ 11, 12].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

They shaped an amendment that extended the bill's protections to include lawns, sidewalks and swimming pools outside the residences, as well as vehicles and places of business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events occurring close to a home, consider the specific area (yard, driveway, street) for greater precision. Use "outside the residence" when a general area is intended or the specific location is unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "outside the residence" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "outside the house" or "in the yard" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the residence" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. It specifies where an action occurs or where something is situated in relation to a dwelling. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct to use it this way.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outside the residence" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a location external to a dwelling. As per Ludwig, its usage is considered correct. While not exceedingly common, it finds application across various domains, including News & Media and Science. Its formality is neutral, lending itself well to descriptive and reporting contexts. When writing, reserve this expression for scenarios where a degree of formality is warranted or when a more precise location is unnecessary. Consider more casual alternatives such as "outside the house" in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exterior of the home

Replaces "residence" with a more common synonym, making it slightly less formal.

in front of the house

Specifies the location relative to the house, focusing on the front area.

on the property

Broader term, encompassing the entire land area associated with the residence.

in the yard

Refers specifically to the grassy area surrounding the residence.

at the premises

More formal, suitable for legal or official contexts.

beyond the walls of the house

Emphasizes the transition from inside to outside, adding a descriptive element.

in the vicinity of the dwelling

More academic tone, suitable for formal writing.

surrounding the home

Highlights the area directly adjacent to the residence.

on the grounds

Similar to "on the property" but may imply larger, more landscaped areas.

next to the building

Focuses on the immediate proximity to the physical structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "outside the residence" to describe actions or events occurring in the area surrounding a home, such as "The police found evidence "outside the residence"" or "The children were playing "outside the residence"".

What are some alternatives to "outside the residence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "outside the house", "in the yard", or "on the property".

Is "outside the residence" more formal than "outside the house"?

Yes, ""outside the residence"" is generally considered more formal due to the use of "residence", which is a more formal term for "house". Therefore, it is better suited for professional or academic contexts, while "outside the house" is appropriate for casual settings.

When is it most appropriate to use "outside the residence"?

It's best to use ""outside the residence"" when the context requires a degree of formality or when the specific area around the dwelling isn't known or relevant. It suits news reports, formal statements, and official documentation.