downtown area vs downtown

Both 'downtown area' and 'downtown' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Downtown area' refers to a specific geographical region within a city, while 'downtown' can be used more broadly to refer to the central business district or commercial area of a city.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 942 views

downtown area

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a specific geographical region within a city.

Use 'downtown area' when you want to specify a particular area within a city that is considered the central business district or commercial hub.

Examples:

The downtown area of the city is known for its vibrant nightlife.
There are many shops and restaurants in the downtown area.

Show examples from the web [+]

It appears a portion of the downtown area is experiencing a power outage.
We just got an update from Detroit River Electric, and they're still working on the power outage in the downtown area.
Soldiers and coppers are scouring the downtown area.
The motorcade is nearing the downtown area, where people have been gathering since early morning to get a glimpse of President and Mrs. Kennedy.
It's the third time the Dead Rose Slasher has struck the downtown area in the last two weeks.
Sources close to the investigation believe Daniel Morrison is linked to not only last night's shooting massacre at a popular local diner, but also the car explosion that rocked the downtown area earlier this morning.
He's a community activist who's been in the local news a lot for opposing a controversial development project that's supposed to revitalize the downtown area.
Very shortly, Streetcar 907 will enter the downtown area on Canal Street.
Very shortly, Streetcar 907 will enter the downtown area on Canal Street.
I heard guys from the downtown area come here to pick up girls.
She's one of the most popular models in the entire Santa Barbara downtown area, Shawn.
On the night of 26 April, however, riots broke out in the downtown area, and these later spread to some border cities where, however, they were less severe.
In local news, a man on horseback rampaged through a downtown area today, vandalizing property and robbing several stores.
The latest victim was just found in the downtown area.
One of our best in the downtown area.
We've got the downtown area locked down.
We were unsure where the subject was in the downtown area.
They got a fingerprint and a downtown area code for Civic Sushi.
What we can tell you is that if the attack happens it will occur in or around the downtown area.
Now, there are three recycling mills in Los Angeles, all of which are in the downtown area.

Alternatives:

city center
central business district
commercial district
urban core
CBD

downtown

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to the central business district or commercial area of a city.

Use 'downtown' when referring to the central part of a city where most commercial activities, businesses, and cultural attractions are located.