an empty seat

USAGE SUMMARY

"an empty seat" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a seat that is unoccupied or available. Example: "There was an empty seat next to me on the bus." Alternative expressions include "a vacant seat" and "an unoccupied seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There's an empty seat?

The New York Times - Sports

Up ahead, he spotted an empty seat.

The New Yorker

By 5 45, there wasn't an empty seat.

The New York Times - Food

There wasn't an empty seat in the house.

The New York Times - Travel

"We never got a negative review: We never had an empty seat.

The New Yorker

Even on the snowy, glacially cold night I was there, you couldn't see an empty seat.

The New York Times

It is difficult to spot an empty seat on the apron.

The New York Times

A staring contest with an empty seat can prove preferable to even the briefest human interaction.

The New York Times

Never have I been so happy to see an empty seat.

Independent

Even on the glacially cold night I was there, you couldn't see an empty seat.

The New York Times

At least his missed field goal didn't land in an empty seat.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal travel or reservation contexts, consider using the more professional synonym "a vacant seat".

Common error

Avoid using "an empty seat" when referring to a digital space or a gap in a sequence where a physical chair is not implied; in those cases, "a blank space" or "an unfilled field" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an empty seat" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the direct object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As noted in Ludwig examples, it frequently follows verbs of perception or action such as "saw", "find", "left" or "spotted". Its structure consists of the indefinite article "an", the adjective "empty" and the head noun "seat". Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically sound and universally accepted construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an empty seat" is an essential and highly frequent component of the English language, supported by extensive usage in top-tier publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is grammatically impeccable, functioning as a clear noun phrase that describes both physical availability and professional vacancies. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its neutrality, making it suitable for everything from casual travel tips to formal political reporting. Whether you are describing a crowded train or a metaphorical gap in a supreme court, "an empty seat" remains the most reliable and idiomatic choice for writers across all registers. For more formal variety, writers can effectively substitute it with "a vacant seat" or "an unoccupied seat" depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vacant seat

More formal and commonly used in official transport or ticketing contexts.

an unoccupied seat

Technically precise, often used in safety instructions or formal reports.

an available seat

Emphasizes the possibility for someone to take the seat.

a free seat

More informal, focusing on the lack of a current occupant.

an empty chair

Specifically refers to chairs and is often used metaphorically for a missing person.

a spare seat

Common in British English to describe an extra or unneeded seat.

an open seat

Often used in political contexts to describe a position without an incumbent.

an unfilled spot

More abstract, referring to a space or position rather than a literal seat.

an empty bench

Specific to a type of long seating common in public parks or sports.

an available spot

Broadens the scope beyond seating to any available location.

FAQs

How do I use "an empty seat" in a sentence?

You can use it as a direct object in sentences like "I finally found an empty seat at the back of the bus" or as a subject like "An empty seat remained at the table as a tribute to him".

Is it better to say "an empty seat" or "a vacant seat"?

While both are correct, "a vacant seat" sounds slightly more formal and is often used in professional or technical documentation, whereas "an empty seat" is more natural in daily conversation and storytelling.

What is the difference between "an empty seat" and "an empty chair"?

The phrase "an empty seat" is more general and can refer to a spot on a bus, a bench or a theater row, while "an empty chair" specifically refers to a single piece of furniture.

Can "an empty seat" be used for a job position?

Yes, it is often used metaphorically for a professional vacancy, though "an open position" or "a vacant post" are more standard in a business context.