are empty of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are empty of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of something within a particular context or subject. Example: "The shelves in the store are empty of any new merchandise, leaving customers disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thus he proposes the view that both the subject and the object are conventionally intrinsically real as both are conventional truths, where as both are ultimately intrinsically unreal as both are empty of ultimate reality, hence emptiness alone is the ultimate reality.

SEP

"The local shops are empty of bicycles.

The Guardian

"Literally, North Korean mountains are empty of recreational hikers".

The New York Times

Cathedrals turn cold when they are empty of people.

The New Yorker

In the March segment, the back alleys are empty of traders.

The New York Times

Its shops and cafés are empty of everything but Coke bottles.

The Economist

Justice Kennedy's critics say his pronouncements on liberty are empty of real content.

The New York Times

The brutal truth is that the lockers of the rabid few are empty of real argument.

The Guardian

Behind the narrow dikes of packed earth, the fields are empty of their most profitable plant.

The New York Times

Shop shelves are empty of water bottles, rice bags, bread, batteries, and instant ramen.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, markets are empty of true liquidity at the time it's needed most.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are empty of" to vividly describe a void or absence, making your writing more descriptive and engaging. For instance, instead of saying "the room lacked furniture", try "the room was empty of furniture."

Common error

While "are empty of" is acceptable, overuse can sound awkward in formal writing. Instead, consider using more direct alternatives like "lack" or "do not have" in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are empty of" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase indicating a lack or absence of something. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. The phrase modifies a noun to specify that it is devoid of a particular element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are empty of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the absence of something. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used across diverse contexts, as can be observed in the examples. While suitable for various types of writing, it's wise to use it judiciously in overly formal contexts. The alternative phrases provided offer more concise options like "lack" or "are devoid of", and ensure your choice aligns with the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are devoid of

A more formal and emphatic way to express the absence of something.

lack

A shorter, more direct way of expressing absence.

are bare of

Suggests a complete absence, often in a physical sense.

are without

Indicates a lack or absence of something, often implying a necessary component.

contain nothing of

Highlights the complete absence of a particular element.

are wanting in

Indicates a deficiency or lack of something necessary.

do not have

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

have no

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

are free from

Emphasizes the absence of something unwanted or negative.

are missing

Focuses on the fact that something is absent or lost.

FAQs

How can I use "are empty of" in a sentence?

You can use "are empty of" to describe a state of lacking something. For example, "The shelves "are empty of" books" indicates a lack of books on the shelves.

What phrases are similar to "are empty of"?

Similar phrases include "are devoid of", "lack", and "are without". Each carries a similar meaning of absence or deficiency.

Is it correct to say "is empty of" instead of "are empty of"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is empty of" for singular subjects (e.g., "The bottle is empty of water") and "are empty of" for plural subjects (e.g., "The bottles "are empty of" water").

How does "are empty of" differ from "lack"?

"Lack" is a more concise way to express the absence of something. While "are empty of" provides a more descriptive and sometimes dramatic effect, "lack" is often preferred in formal contexts for its directness.