The phrase "row of houses" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /roʊ ʌv ˈhaʊzɪz/. The first word "row" is pronounced with a diphthong sound of "ow" /oʊ/, followed by the consonant sound "r" /r/. The second word "of" is pronounced with the short vowel sound "uh" /ʌ/ and the voiced consonant "v" /v/. The final word "houses" is pronounced with the long vowel sound "ow" /ˈhaʊzɪz/, a voiced "z" /z/, and a plural "iz" ending /ɪz/. Overall, the spelling follows the English phonetic rules and sounds like "roh-uv how-ziz".
A row of houses refers to a linear arrangement or sequence of residential buildings, generally along a street or road, that are adjoined or closely situated side by side. This configuration forms a continuous line, also known as a terrace, which can range from a few houses to a long stretch spanning several blocks or streets. Each house in the row typically shares at least one common wall with its adjacent neighbors, while the end houses on either side often connect to adjacent streets, resulting in a corner plot.
Row houses, also commonly referred to as townhouses or terraced houses, are a prevalent architectural style seen in urban and suburban areas. They showcase a uniform or similar design, height, and often, materials, providing a cohesive aesthetic to the streetscape. The layout and floor plan of row houses usually follow a standardized pattern, where rooms are stacked vertically, with multiple floors offering separate living and bedroom spaces, and a shared or private front yard and backyard, depending on the location and size of the plot.
Row houses have historically been popular due to their efficient use of urban space and ability to accommodate a relatively large number of dwellings within a smaller footprint. This arrangement provides a sense of community and convenience by allowing residents to live in close proximity while maintaining individual ownership and privacy. Furthermore, the contiguous nature of row houses enables them to benefit from infrastructure services such as utilities and transportation that are commonly shared amongst neighboring homes.