within its walls

USAGE SUMMARY

"within its walls" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical space, like a building, where something is taking place. For example: "The local library offers a variety of resources within its walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With three clubs, a gig space and an art gallery within its walls, it seemed like a good compromise.

The Guardian - Travel

Rather than squat down with a placard outside the Jerusalem temple, he staged his protest within its walls, and it was a violent rather than peaceful one.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the army of King Ferdinand took control of Alcazaba in the late 15th century, it built a church within its walls.

The New York Times - Travel

If it ever is built however, it will be a sight to behold with plans revealing that it will house schools, hospitals and even farms within its walls.

The Guardian - Arts

Unbeknownst to them, it also comes with a history: a man was killed within its walls almost 20 years earlier.

The New York Times - Books

And along with Manhattan, holding my old heart within its walls, a more than willing captive.

The New York Times - Arts

"There have been suicides, a gang rape, and a murder" within its walls, Morrison said.

The New Yorker

ISIS sought to kill the ideas within its walls — or at least the access to them.

The New Yorker

You always seem to bump into somebody you know from the area within its walls.

The Guardian - Travel

Within its walls, people can feel safe and think for themselves, two luxuries in the hood.

The Guardian

After all, some of the last century's most notorious deaths took place within its walls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within its walls" to vividly describe activities, events, or attributes that are integral to a building, institution, or organization's character or function. For instance, "The university fosters innovation within its walls."

Common error

Avoid overusing "within its walls" in contexts where a more direct and literal description would be clearer. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the unique environment or contained nature of a space, not just any location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within its walls" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or containment. It specifies where an action occurs or where something exists, as supported by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within its walls" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that denotes location or containment within a physical structure or institution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, using this phrase effectively can enhance descriptions by emphasizing the setting or environment of an action or event. Alternatives include "inside its boundaries" or "within its confines", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inside its boundaries

Replaces "walls" with "boundaries", focusing on the perimeter rather than the physical structure.

within its confines

Substitutes "walls" with "confines", suggesting a more restrictive or enclosed space.

in its interior

Focuses on the internal space rather than the structural components.

contained within it

Highlights the act of being held or enclosed by the structure.

under its roof

Uses "roof" as a metonym for the entire building or institution.

lodged inside

Emphasizes the idea of being situated or residing within the structure.

sheltered by it

Highlights the protective aspect of the structure.

in the heart of it

Conveys the location as being central or integral to the structure.

existing therein

Replaces "walls" with an adverbial reference to the space, implying presence within it.

on its premises

Focuses on the grounds or property associated with the structure.

FAQs

How can I use "within its walls" in a sentence?

You can use "within its walls" to describe something happening or existing inside a building or institution. For example, "The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts "within its walls"."

What are some alternatives to "within its walls"?

Alternatives include phrases like "inside its boundaries", "within its confines", or "in its interior" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "within its walls" in formal writing?

Yes, "within its walls" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources.

What does "within its walls" emphasize in a sentence?

It emphasizes the containment, protection, or unique environment provided by the physical structure or the institution itself.