through the courtyards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through the courtyards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe movement or passage within or among courtyards, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "We wandered through the courtyards, admiring the architecture and the vibrant flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Wind rattled through the courtyards.

The New Yorker

A haunting melody heard through the courtyards.

The New York Times

On the Right Bank, walk through the courtyards of the Louvre.

Princeton University

It also goes into the Duomo, through the Galleria to La Scala, and through the courtyards at the Castello Sforzesco.

The New York Times

It began around 4 45 p.m. as Stacy Spence, outfitted with a hiking pack, a bedroll and a climbing rope, tramped a meandering path through the courtyards of St. Mark's Church.

The New York Times - Arts

They trailed blankly after me through the courtyards until their patience wore out and they started to beg for Good Humors and tug my arm toward the gift shop.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In winter, racing winds howl through the courtyard.

The New York Times

Fellow-M.P.s passed through the courtyard and stopped to talk.

The New Yorker

The entrance to the house is through the courtyard.

The New York Times

I lead the second team straight through the courtyard to the front door.

The New Yorker

At eight-thirty, guests are moving through the courtyard into the front hall of the house.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through the courtyards" to vividly describe movement or passage that involves navigating multiple courtyard spaces, especially when emphasizing the journey or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "in the courtyards" when you intend to convey movement. "In the courtyards" suggests a static location, while "through the courtyards" implies active passage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through the courtyards" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the path or location of an action. It describes how or where something moves or extends, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "through the courtyards" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, providing spatial context and descriptive richness to writing. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While alternatives like "across the courtyards" or "within the courtyards" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "through" to indicate movement, avoiding confusion with "in" which implies a static location.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across the courtyards

Focuses on movement from one side of the courtyards to another.

within the courtyards

Emphasizes being enclosed or contained by the courtyards.

in the courtyards

Suggests a state of being located inside the courtyards.

among the courtyards

Implies movement or distribution within a group of courtyards.

between the courtyards

Highlights a position or movement connecting two or more courtyards.

into the courtyards

Specifies an entry or movement directed towards the inside of the courtyards.

around the courtyards

Indicates a circular movement or distribution surrounding the courtyards.

surrounding the courtyards

Highlights an encircling presence or area around the courtyards.

connecting the courtyards

Focuses on the aspect of linking multiple courtyard areas.

navigating the courtyards

Emphasizes the act of finding one's way within the courtyard spaces.

FAQs

How can I use "through the courtyards" in a sentence?

You can use "through the courtyards" to describe a path or journey. For example, "The wind rattled "through the courtyards"."

What is a good alternative to "through the courtyards"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "across the courtyards" or "within the courtyards" might be suitable.

Which is more appropriate, "in the courtyard" or "through the courtyard"?

"In the courtyard" suggests location, while "through the courtyard" implies movement. Choose the phrase that best represents your intended meaning.

Is "through the courtyards" formal or informal?

The phrase itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing.