a hollow thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hollow thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is empty, lacking substance, or insincere in nature. Example: "The promises he made felt like a hollow thing, devoid of any real commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One head alone can know its weight, on throne, in pageantry, and feel it still, in private space, when it's lifted: not a hollow thing, but a measuring; no halo, treasure, but a valuing; decades and duty.

The Guardian - Books

I was right, but the last word you get in as the still living is a hollow thing, trailing off, as it does, into oblivion.

BBC

But it's a hollow thing when the giver has done major damage -- systemic or individual -- and seeks to "give back" as recompense, yet doesn't pledge never to do such damage again.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Middle Ages believed that fame is a worthless and hollow thing.

The Guardian - Arts

"The Hoax" is a much smarter and more diverting picture than "The Aviator," which, for all its pizzazz, did the one dull and hollow thing that you can do with Howard Hughes: it bought his story, straight.

The New Yorker

But in its layered approach, it risks a self-parody of experimental dance rather than what Mr. Simonet called "the hollow things in our culture" in a discussion after the performance.

The New York Times

In 1905, he did some amazing versions of Alice in Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow, things that I've been involved with, so I felt there was a weird connection to me – the material, and life.

Independent

"To win because anonymous and malicious persons witch-hunted Walcott out of the race would be a hollow and tainted thing," he wrote in a blog for the Guardian.

The Guardian - Books

If a normal 3D model of a tree is sort of a hollow cardboard version of the real thing, a voxel tree is like one built from hundreds or thousands of LEGO blocks.

TechCrunch

What an odd thing to do!" She gives a hollow laugh.

The Guardian

Which means that players are given a virtual construct, basically a hollow virtual world with which they can build things.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hollow thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is lacking or insincere. This provides a stronger impact and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a hollow thing" in overly abstract or vague contexts where the lack of substance is not readily apparent. Ground the phrase with specific examples to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hollow thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "hollow" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thing". It typically describes something lacking substance, genuineness, or depth, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hollow thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something that lacks substance, sincerity, or depth. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is correct and that it appears commonly in news and media, with occasional appearances in wiki-based content. When using the phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "an empty gesture" or "a meaningless act" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an empty gesture

Emphasizes the lack of genuine feeling or intent behind an action.

a meaningless act

Highlights the absence of purpose or significance.

a superficial matter

Focuses on the lack of depth or importance.

a futile endeavor

Stresses the pointlessness and ineffectiveness of the effort.

a shallow experience

Indicates a lack of emotional or intellectual depth.

an insincere display

Highlights the lack of genuine emotion or honesty.

a worthless possession

Emphasizes the lack of value or utility.

a deceptive facade

Focuses on the misleading and false appearance.

a trivial pursuit

Highlights the lack of seriousness or importance.

a flimsy pretense

Indicates a weak or unconvincing attempt to deceive.

FAQs

How can I use "a hollow thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a hollow thing" to describe something lacking substance, meaning, or sincerity. For example, "His apology felt like "a hollow thing", as there was no real remorse in his voice."

What are some alternatives to "a hollow thing"?

Alternatives include "an empty gesture", "a meaningless act", or "a superficial matter", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hollow thing"?

Yes, "a hollow thing" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard adjective-noun structure in English.

What's the difference between "a hollow thing" and "an empty promise"?

"A hollow thing" is a more general term for something lacking substance, while "an empty promise" specifically refers to a promise that will not be kept. The former can apply to objects, feelings, or actions, while the latter is restricted to promises.