rough neighborhood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough neighborhood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an area that is considered unsafe or has a high crime rate. Example: "I wouldn't recommend walking alone at night in that rough neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was also a rough neighborhood.

The New Yorker

"This is a weirdly rough neighborhood.

The New Yorker

The rough neighborhood didn't trouble him.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a rough neighborhood.

The New York Times

Harris grew up in a rough neighborhood in North Philadelphia.

The New Yorker

It is a rough neighborhood, "a postcard of urban decay".

The New York Times - Books

We really do live in a rough neighborhood.

The New York Times

He still believes the Middle East is a rough neighborhood.

The New York Times

Far Rockaway residents described Ms. Farley as a gregarious, well-known presence in a rough neighborhood.

The New York Times

Kazin grew up in the rough neighborhood of Brownsville, and spent his childhood reading.

The New Yorker

For Bay Area sports fans, Candlestick is more than an icebox in a rough neighborhood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough neighborhood" sparingly to avoid sensationalizing the area. Provide context to help the audience understand the complexity of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using the term "rough neighborhood" as a blanket statement to describe an entire community. Recognize that not all residents are involved in crime or struggling with poverty, and generalizing perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough neighborhood" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "neighborhood" with the adjective "rough". Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. This phrase indicates that the neighborhood is characterized by undesirable conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough neighborhood" is a commonly used and grammatically correct descriptor, primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively conveys information about areas characterized by high crime rates, poverty, or social disorder. While generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the specific context, with more formal settings potentially benefiting from alternatives like "economically challenged area" or "underprivileged community". When using the phrase, it's crucial to avoid generalizations and stereotypes, recognizing the complexity and diversity within these communities. Consider the connotations of the phrase and choose it considering your writing purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough neighborhood

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more colloquial tone.

unsafe area

Focuses on the lack of safety and potential danger.

troubled neighborhood

Highlights social problems and unrest.

high-crime area

Directly highlights the prevalence of criminal activity.

dangerous district

Highlights the element of risk and peril.

deprived neighborhood

Emphasizes the economic hardship and lack of resources.

underprivileged community

Focuses on the socio-economic disadvantages of the residents.

disadvantaged community

Focuses on the systemic inequalities faced by the residents.

economically challenged area

A more formal way of describing poverty-stricken regions.

blighted area

Implies decay and neglect in the physical environment.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "rough neighborhood"?

You can use alternatives like "unsafe area", "high-crime area", or "deprived neighborhood" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "rough neighborhood" in formal writing?

While the term "rough neighborhood" is widely understood, it may be considered informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and neutral alternatives like "economically challenged area" or "underprivileged community" in academic or professional writing.

What connotations does the phrase "rough neighborhood" carry?

The phrase "rough neighborhood" typically implies a place with high crime rates, poverty, and social disorder. It can evoke feelings of danger and unease and is often used to describe areas needing improvement. Understanding these connotations helps in choosing more sensitive and accurate language when describing such areas.

How can I use "rough neighborhood" in a sentence?

You can use "rough neighborhood" to describe where someone grew up, the location of a business, or an area to avoid. For example, "He grew up in a "rough neighborhood"" or "The store is located in a "rough neighborhood"", so it has security measures."