Devoid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Devoid of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the absence or lack of something. Example: "The landscape was devoid of any vegetation, creating a stark and barren view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Devoid of social value.

The New York Times

Devoid of all dismay.

Independent

Devoid of any empathy.

The New York Times

Devoid of life in general.

The Guardian

Devoid of dick.

Vice

Oddly devoid of people.

The New York Times

Teenagers seem devoid of wonder.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's energetic but devoid of texture.

The New York Times - Arts

"Too many were devoid of much character".

The New York Times - Food

It was quiet, utterly devoid of torment.

The New York Times

This is memoir devoid of bitterness.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of" to create a strong and formal statement about the absence of something. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing or analytical contexts where a precise and impactful expression is needed.

Common error

While "devoid of" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lacking" or "without" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the absence of a particular quality, attribute, or substance. It adds descriptive detail, emphasizing the state of being without something. Ludwig examples show that it is deemed grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and shows its common usage in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, "devoid of" is more formal and should be used judiciously in informal settings, where alternatives like "lacking" or "without" may be more appropriate. When using this expression, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lacking in

Emphasizes the deficiency or absence of a particular quality or attribute.

Without

A straightforward and common way to express the absence of something.

Empty of

Suggests a complete absence, often in a physical sense.

Bereft of

Implies a sense of loss or deprivation.

Absent of

Highlights the non-existence or unavailability of something.

Free from

Indicates a state of being unburdened or clear of something undesirable.

Wanting in

Suggests a deficiency or inadequacy in a specific area.

Deficient in

Formally indicates a lack or shortage, often in a technical or scientific context.

Missing

Simply states that something is not present or available.

Exempt from

Indicates that something is not subject to or does not include a particular element.

FAQs

How to use "devoid of" in a sentence?

Use "devoid of" to indicate the absence of something. For example, "The landscape was "devoid of" trees", meaning there were no trees in the landscape.

What can I say instead of "devoid of"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking in", "without", or "empty of" depending on the context.

Is "devoid of" formal or informal?

"Devoid of" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "lacking" or "without" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "devoid of" and "lacking in"?

While both indicate absence, "devoid of" suggests a complete absence, while "lacking in" might imply a partial or insufficient amount. "The room was "devoid of" furniture" suggests no furniture at all, while "The room was lacking in comfortable seating" means there was some seating, but it wasn't comfortable.