almost empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a container or space that is nearly devoid of contents. Example: "The gas tank is almost empty, so we need to stop for fuel soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Well, almost empty.

The New York Times

"It's almost empty.

The New York Times

The ballpark was almost empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

The highway was almost empty.

The New Yorker

Or almost empty.

The New Yorker

Yesterday, the space was almost empty.

The New Yorker

The Aden airport was almost empty.

The New York Times

Vast swathes of land are almost empty.

The Economist

The streets were almost empty.

The Guardian

The freeways were almost empty.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the shops were almost empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost empty" to describe physical spaces, containers, or abstract concepts that are nearing a state of emptiness, but not quite there yet. This provides a nuanced description that indicates degree.

Common error

While "almost empty" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone seem less precise. In these settings, consider more specific alternatives such as "nearly vacant" or "scarcely populated" to convey the degree of emptiness more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost empty" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe their state of near-emptiness. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost empty" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a state of near-emptiness. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase serves to provide a nuanced description, indicating that something is approaching complete emptiness without being entirely devoid. When aiming for more precision in formal settings, alternatives such as "nearly vacant" or "practically devoid" may be preferred. The high frequency and versatility of "almost empty" make it a reliable choice for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly vacant

Emphasizes the absence of occupants or contents, similar to "almost empty".

practically devoid

Highlights the severe lack or absence of something, conveying a stronger sense of emptiness.

virtually empty

Indicates a state that is very close to being completely empty.

scarcely full

Focuses on the lack of fullness, implying that there is very little content.

barely occupied

Highlights the low level of occupancy, suitable for spaces or containers.

thinly populated

Describes a space with very few inhabitants or elements.

partially unfilled

Focuses on the incomplete state of being filled, suggesting some content is present.

relatively bare

Suggests a minimal amount of content or decoration, indicating a simple or unadorned state.

nearing depletion

Highlights the process of becoming empty, focusing on the reduction of content over time.

approaching emptiness

Emphasizes the movement towards a state of being empty.

FAQs

What does "almost empty" mean?

The phrase "almost empty" means that something is close to being completely empty but still has a small amount of content or substance remaining. It implies a state of near emptiness.

How can I use "almost empty" in a sentence?

You can use "almost empty" to describe a variety of situations. For example: "The gas tank is "almost empty", we need to stop for fuel soon" or "The stadium was "almost empty" during the game".

What can I say instead of "almost empty"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly vacant", "practically devoid", or "virtually empty" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "almost empty" and "completely empty"?

"Almost empty" indicates that there is still a small amount remaining, while "completely empty" means there is nothing left. The distinction lies in the presence (almost empty) or absence (completely empty) of contents.