a total vacuum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total vacuum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete absence of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a lack of information or activity. Example: "After the sudden departure of the team leader, the project was left in a total vacuum, with no direction or guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Does it not perhaps mean being totally alone, living in a total vacuum?

The Guardian - Film

It's a total vacuum".

The New York Times

And they had to do this in a total vacuum".

The Guardian - Music

"There was a total vacuum," Mr. Tarhouni said.

The New York Times

"We cannot create a total vacuum of security and order in the state," he said.

The New York Times

Shotgun Stories, he says, was made "in a total vacuum, a total bubble" and conceived "for a very specific purpose".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Each week, millions of dollars pour through the market, which operates in an almost total vacuum of government intervention, taxes or regulations.

The New York Times

Just after the Brexit vote and the election, there was a total empathy vacuum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Doers and doings in business, entertainment and technology: Spoiler alert: In the unlikely event you work the second shift Sunday nights, taped the Super Bowl in hopes of savoring its gridiron thrills Monday and somehow managed to exist in a total media vacuum until now, skip to the last paragraph.

Forbes

The family--potentially incestuous, violent, carnivorous--exists in a total political vacuum.

Huffington Post

The film presents the idea that the military commanders dispersed, "leaving a total power vacuum".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a total vacuum" to vividly describe situations where something crucial is entirely missing, such as "a total vacuum" of leadership after a resignation.

Common error

Avoid using "a total vacuum" to describe physical spaces unless there's a deliberate metaphorical intent. It's more appropriate for intangible concepts like information or authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total vacuum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig examples show it describing the complete absence of something, such as authority, security, or information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a total vacuum" is a noun phrase used to describe the complete absence of something, often with negative implications. Ludwig's analysis of various sources shows that it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. It effectively conveys a significant lack of essential elements, highlighting gaps in leadership, security, or information. While not extremely common, using "a total vacuum" adds emphasis and a sense of urgency to the described situation. Remember to consider replacing it with synonyms such as "complete absence" or "utter void" for variety. It's crucial to ensure the context supports the use of a metaphor, avoiding literal misapplications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total absence of

Explicitly states the absence of a particular thing.

complete absence

Focuses on the state of something not being present at all.

entire absence

Similar to "complete absence" but perhaps more formal.

utter void

Highlights the emptiness and lack of substance.

absolute lack

Emphasizes the deficiency of something required or expected.

a void

Short and impactful way of indicating emptiness.

complete dearth

Stresses a scarcity or lack, especially of something essential.

absence of anything

Comprehensive lack of any element or component.

blank space

Implies an empty or unfilled area, often metaphorical.

lack of everything

Emphasizes the absence of every possible component.

FAQs

How can I use "a total vacuum" in a sentence?

Use "a total vacuum" to describe a situation where something is completely absent, like "The project was left in "a total vacuum" of leadership after the manager left."

What are some alternatives to "a total vacuum"?

Alternatives include "complete absence", "utter void", or "absolute lack", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "complete absence" or "a total vacuum"?

"Complete absence" is more straightforward. "A total vacuum" often implies a more significant and potentially problematic lack.

What does it mean when something is described as "a total vacuum"?

It means that something is completely missing. This can refer to a lack of information, authority, or any other essential element. For example: "There was "a total vacuum" of leadership after the reorganization."