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neighborhood

B1 noun #47 most common 10 min read

neighborhood

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips neighborhood in 30 Seconds

Explanation neighborhood in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'neighborhood' is a word you use to talk about your home and where you live. It is a big area with many houses. You can say 'I live in a nice neighborhood.' You might learn this word when you talk about your city. It is important to know that a neighborhood has things like shops, parks, and schools. You can describe your neighborhood with simple words like 'big,' 'small,' 'quiet,' or 'busy.' For example, 'My neighborhood is quiet.' You also use it to tell people where your house is. It is one of the first words you use to describe your local world. You should remember that 'neighborhood' is the place, and 'neighbor' is the person who lives next to you. This is a very common word in daily English.

At the A2 level, you can use 'neighborhood' to give more details about your living situation. You can describe the facilities in your neighborhood, such as 'There is a supermarket in my neighborhood' or 'My neighborhood has a big park.' You start to use prepositions like 'in' correctly: 'I have lived in this neighborhood for two years.' You also begin to understand that different neighborhoods have different characters. You might say, 'This is a safe neighborhood' or 'I like this neighborhood because it is near the station.' You can also use it to ask questions to others, like 'What is your neighborhood like?' This word helps you connect with people by sharing information about your daily environment and the places you visit often.

At the B1 level, 'neighborhood' becomes a more versatile word. You can use it to discuss social issues, community events, and urban life. You might talk about a 'neighborhood association' or a 'neighborhood watch program.' You understand that a neighborhood is a social community, not just a physical location. You can use more complex adjectives to describe it, such as 'residential,' 'diverse,' or 'historic.' You also start to use the idiomatic expression 'in the neighborhood of' to mean 'approximately,' which is very useful in business or casual estimates. For example, 'The repairs will cost in the neighborhood of $200.' You can participate in conversations about how a neighborhood is changing or what improvements it needs, showing a deeper understanding of community dynamics.

At the B2 level, you use 'neighborhood' with greater precision and in more formal contexts. You can discuss urban planning, gentrification, and the socio-economic factors that define a neighborhood. You might use terms like 'affluent neighborhood,' 'impoverished neighborhood,' or 'up-and-coming neighborhood.' You can explain the 'neighborhood effects' on education or health in a more academic or professional discussion. You are comfortable using the word in complex sentence structures and understand the subtle differences between 'neighborhood,' 'district,' and 'vicinity.' You can also use the word metaphorically or in advanced idioms. Your ability to describe the atmosphere and the social fabric of a neighborhood is more nuanced, allowing you to express detailed opinions about urban living and community development.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of the word 'neighborhood.' You can use it to analyze complex social structures and urban environments. You might discuss the 'fabric of the neighborhood' or the 'neighborhood's cultural heritage.' You are aware of the historical and political implications of how neighborhoods are formed and maintained. You can use the word in high-level academic writing or professional reports on urban sociology or real estate development. You understand the nuances of regional variations in the word's usage and spelling. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'enclave,' 'ghetto,' 'suburbia,' and 'exurb,' and you know exactly when to use 'neighborhood' versus these more specific terms. You can also use the word in creative writing to evoke a strong sense of place and atmosphere.

At the C2 level, 'neighborhood' is a word you use with total fluency and native-like intuition. You can employ it in any context, from highly technical urban planning documents to poetic descriptions of community life. You understand the deepest connotations of the word, including its role in identity formation and social stratification. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures and are familiar with its use in literature and historical texts. You can effortlessly switch between the literal and metaphorical meanings of the word. Your understanding of the word is integrated with a broad knowledge of cultural and social history, allowing you to use it to discuss the evolution of cities and the changing nature of human communities over time. You can also critique the use of the word in various discourses, such as how 'neighborhood' is used in marketing versus reality.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

neighborhood in 30 Seconds

A neighborhood is a specific residential area within a city or town where people live and interact daily.
It encompasses the physical environment, such as houses and parks, as well as the social community of residents.
The word is commonly used to describe one's local surroundings, safety, and available amenities like schools and shops.
It can also be used idiomatically to mean 'approximately' or 'in the general vicinity of' something else.

The term neighborhood refers to a specific geographic area within a larger town or city where people reside and interact. It is more than just a collection of houses; it represents a social ecosystem where daily life unfolds. When people use this word, they are often describing the character, safety, and amenities of the place they call home. It encompasses the streets, the local shops, the parks where children play, and the shared sense of identity among residents. In urban planning, a neighborhood is often defined by physical boundaries like major roads or natural features, but socially, it is defined by the relationships and the frequency of interaction between neighbors. People use this word in casual conversation to describe where they live, in real estate to categorize property locations, and in sociology to study community dynamics. Whether it is a quiet suburban cul-de-sac or a bustling urban block, the neighborhood is the primary unit of social organization in modern society.

Geographic Context: A neighborhood is a sub-section of a city. It is smaller than a district but larger than a single street. It usually has a name that residents use to identify their location.

The new neighborhood has a wonderful community garden where everyone meets on Saturdays.

In a broader sense, the word can also describe the people who live in that area. When someone says, 'The whole neighborhood was at the party,' they are referring to the community members rather than the physical buildings. This dual meaning makes the word versatile. It can be used to discuss infrastructure, such as 'The neighborhood needs better street lighting,' or to discuss social atmosphere, such as 'This is a very friendly neighborhood.' Understanding this word is essential for navigating daily life, as it is the most common way to describe one's immediate surroundings and local environment. It is also used metaphorically to mean 'approximately' or 'in the vicinity of,' such as 'The cost will be in the neighborhood of five hundred dollars.'

I grew up in a very diverse neighborhood where I learned about many different cultures.

Social Dynamics: Neighborhoods often develop their own unique culture based on the demographics of the people living there and the local businesses that thrive in the area.

Safety is a top priority for families looking for a new neighborhood to move into.

The local bakery is the heart of our neighborhood.

Economic Impact: Property values are heavily influenced by the reputation and amenities of the neighborhood, such as schools and parks.

We are looking for a neighborhood that is within walking distance of the subway.

Using 'neighborhood' correctly involves understanding its role as a countable noun and its common collocations. Most frequently, it is used with the preposition 'in'. You live in a neighborhood. It is also often preceded by descriptive adjectives that provide more information about the area's character. For example, you might live in a 'quiet neighborhood,' a 'friendly neighborhood,' or a 'historic neighborhood.' When describing the location of something relative to a neighborhood, you might say it is 'near the neighborhood' or 'on the edge of the neighborhood.' It is also common to use the possessive form, such as 'my neighborhood' or 'our neighborhood,' to express a sense of belonging and community.

Adjective Pairings: Common adjectives include: quiet, safe, busy, trendy, residential, affluent, impoverished, and diverse.

This neighborhood is known for its beautiful Victorian-style houses.

In more formal or technical contexts, 'neighborhood' can be used to describe proximity. The phrase 'in the neighborhood of' is a common idiom meaning 'approximately.' For instance, 'The project will cost in the neighborhood of ten million dollars.' This usage is slightly more advanced but very common in business and news reporting. Another common structure is 'neighborhood watch,' which refers to a community-led effort to prevent crime. When writing, remember that 'neighborhood' is a singular noun that requires a singular verb, unless you are using the plural 'neighborhoods.' For example, 'The neighborhood is changing' versus 'Many neighborhoods are undergoing renovation.'

They decided to move because the neighborhood had become too noisy at night.

Prepositional Use: Use 'in' for location: 'I live in this neighborhood.' Use 'through' for movement: 'We drove through the neighborhood.'

The neighborhood association meets once a month to discuss local issues.

There are several excellent restaurants in the neighborhood.

Compound Words: Neighborhood watch, neighborhood park, neighborhood school, neighborhood center.

The price of the house was in the neighborhood of $400,000.

You will encounter the word 'neighborhood' in a wide variety of everyday situations. In casual conversation, it is the standard way to ask someone where they live: 'What neighborhood do you live in?' or 'Is your neighborhood quiet?' It is a staple of real estate listings, where agents use it to highlight the desirability of a property: 'Located in the prestigious Oakwood neighborhood.' In the news, you might hear it during reports on local events, crime statistics, or urban development projects. For example, 'The city is planning to build a new library in the downtown neighborhood.' It is also frequently used in political discourse when discussing community needs or local governance.

Real Estate: Used to market the benefits of a location, such as 'family-friendly neighborhood' or 'up-and-coming neighborhood.'

The real estate agent described the neighborhood as 'vibrant and walkable.'

In pop culture, neighborhoods are often the setting for TV shows and movies, creating a sense of place that viewers can relate to. Think of 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,' which used the concept to teach children about community and kindness. In music, artists often reference their 'hood' (a slang abbreviation) to talk about their upbringing and the environment that shaped them. In academic settings, particularly in sociology and urban studies, the word is used to analyze social patterns, economic segregation, and the impact of the built environment on human behavior. You might read about 'neighborhood effects' in a research paper, referring to how one's surroundings influence their life outcomes.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor.

News & Media: Used to report on local crime, events, and changes in the city's landscape.

The news reported a series of burglaries in the Northside neighborhood.

The neighborhood has changed a lot since the new tech company moved in.

Academic Use: Used in urban planning and sociology to describe social clusters and spatial organization.

The study examined the relationship between neighborhood walkability and public health.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'neighborhood' with 'neighbor.' A 'neighbor' is a person who lives near you, while a 'neighborhood' is the area where you both live. For example, saying 'I like my neighborhood' means you like the area, but 'I like my neighbor' means you like the person next door. Another common error is spelling. In American English, it is 'neighborhood' (no 'u'), while in British, Canadian, and Australian English, it is 'neighbourhood' (with a 'u'). While both are correct, it is important to be consistent within a single piece of writing. Learners also sometimes struggle with prepositions. Remember to use 'in' when talking about living in an area: 'I live in a quiet neighborhood,' not 'at' or 'on' a neighborhood.

Neighbor vs. Neighborhood: Neighbor = Person. Neighborhood = Area. 'My neighbor is loud' vs 'My neighborhood is loud.'

Mistake: I live on a very nice neighborhood. Correct: I live in a very nice neighborhood.

Another mistake involves the idiomatic use of 'in the neighborhood of.' Some learners try to use it to mean 'physically near a person,' but it is almost exclusively used for numerical approximations or general geographic areas. For example, 'The price is in the neighborhood of $100' is correct, but 'I am standing in the neighborhood of my friend' is incorrect (use 'near' or 'next to' instead). Additionally, be careful with the plural form. Some learners forget to add the 's' when talking about multiple areas: 'There are many different neighborhood in this city' should be 'There are many different neighborhoods.' Finally, avoid overusing the word 'area' or 'place' when 'neighborhood' is more specific and provides more context about the community aspect of the location.

Mistake: My neighborhood helped me carry my groceries. Correct: My neighbor helped me carry my groceries.

Spelling Consistency: Choose one: neighborhood (US) or neighbourhood (UK). Do not mix them in the same document.

Mistake: The cost is in the neighborhood to $50. Correct: The cost is in the neighborhood of $50.

Mistake: We visited several neighborhood during our trip. Correct: We visited several neighborhoods during our trip.

Numerical Approximation: The phrase 'in the neighborhood of' always requires the preposition 'of' before the number.

The population of the city is in the neighborhood of two million people.

While 'neighborhood' is a very common word, there are several synonyms and related terms that can be used depending on the context. 'District' is often used for larger, more formal areas of a city, such as a 'financial district' or a 'theatre district.' It implies a specific function or administrative boundary. 'Area' is a much broader and more general term that can refer to any space, large or small. 'Vicinity' refers to the area immediately surrounding a specific point: 'There are no gas stations in the vicinity.' 'Community' focuses more on the people and their social connections rather than the physical location. You might live in a neighborhood but feel part of a specific community within it.

Neighborhood vs. District: Neighborhood is social and residential; District is functional and administrative (e.g., shopping district).

The financial district is empty on weekends, unlike the residential neighborhoods.

In more informal settings, you might hear 'block' used to refer to a very small neighborhood or just the street where someone lives: 'I'm just going for a walk around the block.' In some cities, 'quarter' is used to describe a specific historical or ethnic area, such as the 'French Quarter' in New Orleans. 'Suburb' refers to a residential neighborhood located on the outskirts of a city. 'Enclave' is a more specialized term for a neighborhood where a specific group of people live, often separated from the surrounding area by culture or wealth. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the size, the function, the people, or the location of the area you are describing.

The neighborhood has a strong sense of community spirit.

Neighborhood vs. Vicinity: Neighborhood is where you live; Vicinity is the area near a specific spot (e.g., in the vicinity of the crime scene).

The neighborhood is part of a larger administrative district.

We live in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of the city.

Neighborhood vs. Area: Area is general and can be huge (e.g., the tri-state area); Neighborhood is local and specific.

The neighborhood park is a popular spot for families.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-hood' is the same one found in 'childhood' and 'manhood,' indicating a state of being.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈneɪ.bə.hʊd/

US /ˈneɪ.bɚ.hʊd/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: NAY-bor-hood.

Rhymes With

brotherhood motherhood fatherhood likelihood livelihood childhood knighthood falsehood

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'neighbor-wood'.
Stressing the second or third syllable.
Confusing the 'hood' sound with 'food'.
Omitting the 'r' sound entirely in US English.
Pronouncing the 'gh' (it is silent).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it is a common noun.

Writing 3/5

Spelling can be tricky (gh is silent, US vs UK spelling).

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily conversation.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though the 'gh' can confuse beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

house street city live near

Learn Next

community district vicinity resident suburb

Advanced

gentrification infrastructure socioeconomic urbanization zoning

Grammar to Know

Prepositions of Place

We live *in* a neighborhood (not *on* or *at*).

Compound Nouns

Neighborhood watch is a singular concept.

Adjective Order

A *quiet, safe, residential* neighborhood.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The neighborhood *is* (singular) / The neighborhoods *are* (plural).

Possessive Nouns

The neighborhood's (singular) park / The neighborhoods' (plural) problems.

Examples by Level

I live in a quiet neighborhood.

I live in a peaceful area.

Use 'in' with neighborhood.

My neighborhood is very big.

The area where I live is large.

Subject + is + adjective.

Is your neighborhood safe?

Is the area where you live safe?

Question form with 'is'.

There is a park in my neighborhood.

My area has a park.

There is/are structure.

I like my neighborhood.

I enjoy the area where I live.

Simple present tense.

The neighborhood has many shops.

There are many stores nearby.

Has/have for possession.

We walk in the neighborhood every day.

We take walks near our home.

Present simple for habits.

This is a new neighborhood.

This area was built recently.

Demonstrative pronoun 'this'.

There are three schools in our neighborhood.

Our area contains three schools.

Plural 'there are'.

My neighborhood is near the city center.

I live close to the middle of the city.

Preposition 'near'.

The neighborhood is very noisy at night.

It is loud where I live during the night.

Adverb 'very' + adjective.

I moved to this neighborhood last year.

I started living here one year ago.

Past simple tense.

Which neighborhood do you live in?

What is the name of your area?

Wh- question with 'do'.

The neighborhood has a lot of trees.

There are many trees in the area.

Quantifier 'a lot of'.

It is a friendly neighborhood for families.

Families like living in this area.

Adjective + for + noun.

We are looking for a house in this neighborhood.

We want to buy a home here.

Present continuous tense.

The neighborhood association is meeting tonight.

The local community group has a meeting.

Compound noun 'neighborhood association'.

Our neighborhood has changed a lot recently.

The area is different than before.

Present perfect tense.

The cost of the car was in the neighborhood of $20,000.

The car cost about $20,000.

Idiom meaning 'approximately'.

They organized a neighborhood watch to improve safety.

Residents are watching for crime together.

Purpose clause with 'to'.

This is a predominantly residential neighborhood.

Most of the buildings here are houses.

Adverb 'predominantly' modifying an adjective.

I enjoy the diverse culture of my neighborhood.

There are many different types of people here.

Abstract noun 'culture'.

The neighborhood is famous for its historic architecture.

People know the area for its old buildings.

Adjective 'famous for'.

We need more public transport in this neighborhood.

The area needs better buses or trains.

Uncountable noun 'transport'.

Gentrification is rapidly transforming the neighborhood.

The area is becoming wealthier and changing.

Present continuous with 'rapidly'.

The neighborhood's infrastructure needs significant investment.

The roads and pipes need to be fixed.

Possessive 'neighborhood's'.

Living in a walkable neighborhood has many health benefits.

It is good for you to live where you can walk.

Gerund phrase as subject.

The neighborhood is characterized by its narrow streets.

The streets are a main feature of the area.

Passive voice 'is characterized by'.

Property values in this neighborhood have skyrocketed.

House prices have gone up very fast.

Present perfect with 'skyrocketed'.

The neighborhood serves as a hub for local artists.

Many artists live and work in this area.

Verb phrase 'serves as a hub'.

There is a strong sense of community within the neighborhood.

People in the area feel connected to each other.

Preposition 'within'.

The neighborhood was originally settled by immigrants.

The first people to live here were from other countries.

Past passive voice.

The neighborhood's unique character is being eroded by modernization.

New buildings are destroying the area's feel.

Present continuous passive.

The study explores the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic status on child development.

How wealth in an area affects kids.

Complex noun phrase.

The neighborhood is an eclectic mix of old and new.

The area has a variety of different styles.

Adjective 'eclectic'.

Urban planners are focusing on creating sustainable neighborhoods.

Planners want eco-friendly areas.

Focusing on + gerund.

The neighborhood has retained its charm despite the surrounding urban sprawl.

The area is still nice even though the city grew.

Conjunction 'despite'.

The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city's diverse population.

The area represents the whole city in a small way.

Metaphor 'microcosm'.

Social cohesion is vital for a thriving neighborhood.

People getting along is important for the area.

Abstract noun 'cohesion'.

The neighborhood's decline was precipitated by the closure of the factory.

The factory closing caused the area to get worse.

Verb 'precipitated'.

The neighborhood's architectural integrity has been meticulously preserved.

The old buildings have been kept perfectly.

Present perfect passive with adverb.

The neighborhood functions as a self-contained ecosystem.

The area has everything people need within it.

Simile/Metaphor 'ecosystem'.

The neighborhood is steeped in a rich tapestry of local history.

The area has a lot of interesting history.

Idiomatic 'steeped in'.

The neighborhood's revitalization has led to increased social stratification.

Fixing the area made the gap between rich and poor bigger.

Causal relationship.

The neighborhood's identity is inextricably linked to its industrial past.

You can't separate the area's feel from its history.

Adverb 'inextricably'.

The neighborhood serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era.

The area makes you think sadly of the past.

Adjective 'poignant'.

The neighborhood's porous boundaries allow for a fluid exchange of ideas.

The area is open to outside influences.

Metaphorical 'porous'.

The neighborhood's gentrification has sparked a heated debate about displacement.

People are arguing about residents being forced out.

Sparked a debate.

Common Collocations

quiet neighborhood

safe neighborhood

friendly neighborhood

residential neighborhood

neighborhood watch

neighborhood association

up-and-coming neighborhood

historic neighborhood

diverse neighborhood

neighborhood park

Common Phrases

in the neighborhood

— Located nearby or in the same area.

Is there a good coffee shop in the neighborhood?

the whole neighborhood

— Everyone who lives in that specific area.

The whole neighborhood heard the loud noise.

around the neighborhood

— In various parts of the local area.

We took a long walk around the neighborhood.

neighborhood spirit

— A sense of community and cooperation among residents.

The festival showed a lot of neighborhood spirit.

bad neighborhood

— An area that is considered dangerous or has a high crime rate.

He was warned not to walk alone in that bad neighborhood.

nice neighborhood

— An area that is pleasant, safe, and well-maintained.

They finally moved into a nice neighborhood.

neighborhood school

— A school that serves the children living in the immediate area.

Our kids walk to the neighborhood school every morning.

neighborhood store

— A small shop located within a residential area.

I'm just going to the neighborhood store for some milk.

neighborhood character

— The unique feel or atmosphere of a local area.

New developments should respect the neighborhood character.

neighborhood ties

— Social connections and relationships between neighbors.

Strong neighborhood ties can help people feel more secure.

Often Confused With

neighborhood vs neighbor

A neighbor is a person; a neighborhood is the area.

neighborhood vs neighbourhood

This is simply the British English spelling of the same word.

neighborhood vs vicinity

Vicinity is more formal and refers to the area 'near' something, while neighborhood is where people 'live'.

Idioms & Expressions

"in the neighborhood of"

— Approximately or roughly a certain amount.

The repairs will cost in the neighborhood of $500.

neutral

"not in the same neighborhood"

— Not even close in quality, amount, or type.

His skills are not in the same neighborhood as the professionals.

informal

"a beautiful day in the neighborhood"

— A phrase used to describe a pleasant day or a friendly atmosphere.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, let's go for a walk.

informal

"wrong side of the tracks"

— Referring to a poor or dangerous neighborhood.

He grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but became a CEO.

informal

"block party"

— A party for all the residents of a neighborhood block.

We're having a block party this Saturday!

neutral

"keep up with the Joneses"

— Trying to have the same expensive things as your neighbors.

They are always buying new cars just to keep up with the Joneses.

informal

"good fences make good neighbors"

— Respecting boundaries helps maintain good relationships in a neighborhood.

We built a wall because good fences make good neighbors.

neutral

"your neck of the woods"

— The neighborhood or area where you live.

How are things over in your neck of the woods?

informal

"close to home"

— Something that affects you personally or is in your neighborhood.

The news about the park closure hit close to home.

neutral

"on one's doorstep"

— Very close to where one lives in the neighborhood.

We have a great library right on our doorstep.

informal

Easily Confused

neighborhood vs neighbor

Similar sound and root.

Neighbor is the person (noun); neighborhood is the area (noun).

My neighbor is friendly, and our neighborhood is safe.

neighborhood vs district

Both refer to parts of a city.

Districts are usually for business or administration; neighborhoods are for living.

I live in a residential neighborhood near the financial district.

neighborhood vs area

Both describe a location.

Area is very general; neighborhood specifically implies a community and houses.

This area of the state has many beautiful neighborhoods.

neighborhood vs suburb

Many neighborhoods are in suburbs.

A suburb is a town outside a city; a neighborhood is a part of that town (or the city).

We live in a quiet neighborhood in the suburbs.

neighborhood vs community

Both involve people living together.

Community focuses on the people and their bonds; neighborhood focuses on the physical location.

The neighborhood has a very strong sense of community.

Sentence Patterns

I live in a [adjective] neighborhood.

I live in a small neighborhood.

There is a [noun] in my neighborhood.

There is a library in my neighborhood.

The neighborhood has [verb-ed] recently.

The neighborhood has improved recently.

It costs in the neighborhood of [number].

It costs in the neighborhood of $100.

The neighborhood is known for [noun/gerund].

The neighborhood is known for its art galleries.

Despite [noun], the neighborhood remains [adjective].

Despite the noise, the neighborhood remains popular.

The [noun] of the neighborhood is [adjective].

The character of the neighborhood is unique.

The neighborhood's [noun] is inextricably linked to [noun].

The neighborhood's identity is inextricably linked to its history.

Word Family

Nouns

neighbor

neighborhood

neighborliness

Verbs

neighbor (rare)

Adjectives

neighborly

neighboring

community

resident

locality

vicinity

district

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I live on a neighborhood. → I live in a neighborhood.
The correct preposition for a residential area is 'in'.
My neighborhood is very kind. → My neighbor is very kind.
You are describing a person, so you should use 'neighbor', not the area.
The cost is in neighborhood of $50. → The cost is in the neighborhood of $50.
The idiom 'in the neighborhood of' always requires the definite article 'the'.
I like the neighborhoods spirit. → I like the neighborhood spirit.
In this case, 'neighborhood' acts as an adjective modifying 'spirit', so no possessive 's' is needed.
We visited many neighborhood. → We visited many neighborhoods.
The word 'many' requires the plural form of the noun.

Tips

Choose the Right Preposition

Always use 'in' when you talk about living in a neighborhood. Saying 'I live at a neighborhood' sounds incorrect to native speakers.

Silent Letters

Remember that the 'gh' in neighborhood is silent. Don't let it confuse your spelling or your pronunciation; just focus on the 'nay' sound.

Neighbor vs. Neighborhood

This is the most common mistake. Just remember: 'or' is for the person, and 'hood' is for the place. My neighbor lives in my neighborhood.

Using 'In the Neighborhood of'

Use this phrase when you are making a guess about a price or a number. It makes you sound more like a fluent speaker in business contexts.

Regional Spelling

If you are writing for a British audience, use the 'u'. If you are writing for an American audience, leave it out. Consistency is key!

Stress the Start

Put the emphasis on the first part of the word: NAY-bor-hood. This will help you sound much clearer when you speak.

Be Descriptive

Instead of just saying 'a neighborhood,' add an adjective like 'vibrant' or 'peaceful' to make your writing more interesting and specific.

Community Focus

When you use 'neighborhood,' you are often talking about the people too. It’s a great word to use when discussing community spirit.

Listen for the 'Hood'

In casual speech, people might say 'hood' very quickly. Listen for the context to know if they are talking about the area where they live.

Countable Noun

Remember that 'neighborhood' is countable. You can live in one neighborhood, or you can visit many different neighborhoods in a city.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Neighbors in the Hood'. The 'hood' is the area where your neighbors live.

Visual Association

Imagine a map with a small circle drawn around your house and the houses of your friends.

Word Web

houses streets neighbors parks shops community safety local

Challenge

Write three sentences describing your neighborhood using the words 'quiet,' 'safe,' and 'friendly.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'neahgebur' (neighbor) and the suffix '-had' (state or condition).

Original meaning: The state or condition of being a neighbor; proximity.

Germanic (Old English).

Cultural Context

Be aware that describing a neighborhood as 'bad' can have negative social or racial connotations; 'underserved' or 'high-crime' are more precise terms.

In the US, 'the hood' can be slang for a poor urban area, but 'neighborhood' is generally neutral or positive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (TV Show) The Neighborhood (TV Sitcom) Neighborhood Watch (Movie)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Real Estate

desirable neighborhood
quiet residential area
close to amenities
up-and-coming location

Daily Life

my neighborhood
walk around the block
local shops
friendly neighbors

News

neighborhood crime
local development
community meeting
neighborhood safety

Business

in the neighborhood of
market area
local demographics
target neighborhood

Travel

best neighborhood to stay
historic district
walkable area
local attractions

Conversation Starters

"What is your neighborhood like? Is it quiet or busy?"

"How long have you lived in your current neighborhood?"

"What is the best thing about the neighborhood where you live?"

"Are there any good restaurants or parks in your neighborhood?"

"If you could move to any neighborhood in the world, where would it be?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your childhood neighborhood. What do you remember most about the streets and the people?

What changes have you seen in your neighborhood over the last few years?

Write about a time when your neighborhood came together to help someone or celebrate an event.

If you were designing the perfect neighborhood, what features would it have?

Do you think it is important to know your neighbors? Why or why not?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The only difference is the spelling. 'Neighborhood' is the American English spelling, while 'neighbourhood' is used in British, Canadian, and Australian English. Both mean the exact same thing.

No, you cannot. A person who lives near you is a 'neighbor.' 'Neighborhood' always refers to the area or the group of people as a whole.

It depends on the context. 'The hood' is slang and is often used in informal or urban settings. However, it can sometimes have negative connotations, so it is safer to use 'neighborhood' in professional or formal situations.

This is an idiom that means 'approximately.' You use it with numbers. For example, 'The house is worth in the neighborhood of $500,000' means it is worth about that much.

Common adjectives include quiet, busy, safe, dangerous, friendly, residential, historic, trendy, and diverse. You can use these to give more detail about the area.

No, a neighborhood is a small part of a city. A city is made up of many different neighborhoods.

Usually, the word 'neighborhood' is used for urban or suburban areas where houses are close together. In the countryside, people might use the word 'community' or 'area' instead.

It is a program where neighbors work together and watch each other's homes to prevent crime and keep the area safe.

You don't! The 'gh' is silent. The word is pronounced like 'nay-bor-hood'.

It is a group of residents who meet to discuss and solve problems in their local area, such as park maintenance or local events.