Examples from literature

• A loud noise of feet and voices came pouring into the courtyard. 
• The firing had ceased and the courtyard was curiously still and empty. 
• The only thing she did not like was the courtyard's dampness. 
• The stone pavement of the spacious courtyard was in some places partly covered with moss, and a few weeds had sprung up in the corners, and along the edges by the walls. 
• Within half an hour we passed under a stone archway and found ourselves snug in the haven of our merchant's courtyard.