outside the store

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside the store" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the area that is outside the walls of a store, i.e. the sidewalk or parking lot that is adjacent to it. For example, "The line stretched all the way outside the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From the outside, the store in Bacup, Lancashire, is unremarkable.

The Guardian

Despite the stiff breeze outside, the store, on 79th Street near Amsterdam Avenue, was abuzz with activity.

The New York Times

Timberland: empty stanchions outside the store.

The Economist

Outside the store, a sign read "Jobs.

The New York Times

Outside the store she found her car window smashed in.

The New Yorker

"A lot of kids hang outside the store," he added.

The New York Times

"I'm even thinking about changing the lighting outside the store".

The New York Times

Outside the store, there was something of a carnival atmosphere.

The Guardian

Outside the store, I saw a familiar face.

The New York Times

At least 500 had slept outside the store overnight.

The New York Times

Police estimated that at least 200 people were on the sidewalk outside the store overnight.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or situations, use "outside the store" to clearly indicate that they occurred in the external area, differentiating it from the interior. For instance, "A crowd gathered outside the store for the midnight release."

Common error

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating "outside the store" instead of simply using "outside" when the context requires specifying the store's exterior. This avoids confusion about whether you're referring to a different location entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the store" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It specifies the location of an action or a thing, indicating that it is situated externally relative to the store. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outside the store" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote the area external to a store. As Ludwig confirms, its function is to specify location, providing spatial context in a neutral register. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, ensure you use "outside the store" to avoid ambiguity and to clearly indicate the specific location. Consider alternatives like "in front of the store" or "near the store's entrance" for nuanced descriptions. With 65 real-world examples, Ludwig underscores the phrase's widespread usage and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in front of the store

Focuses on the area directly facing the entrance of the store.

near the store's entrance

Highlights the proximity to the entry point of the store.

on the store's premises

Refers to the general property area belonging to the store.

at the store's exterior

Emphasizes the external part or surface of the store building.

by the storefront

Indicates the area close to the front-facing part of the store.

around the store

Describes a broader area surrounding the store.

in the vicinity of the store

A more formal way of indicating the area near the store.

adjacent to the store

Specifies that something is next to or bordering the store.

at the edge of the store

Refers to the boundary or outer limit of the store's location.

beyond the store's walls

Focuses on the area situated past the physical structure of the store.

FAQs

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

You can use "outside the store" to specify a location near a shop, like in the sentence, "The delivery driver parked "outside the store" to unload the merchandise."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "outside the store"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in front of the store", "near the store entrance", or "on the store premises".

Is it correct to say "out of the store" instead of "outside the store"?

"Out of the store" usually indicates movement away from the store's interior, while ""outside the store"" refers to a location externally adjacent to it.

What is the difference between "outside the store" and "around the store"?

"Outside the store" typically refers to the immediate vicinity of the entrance or facade. "Around the store" encompasses a broader area surrounding the entire building.