are hollow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are hollow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has an empty space inside or lacks substance, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The promises made during the campaign are hollow and lack any real commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are hollow victories.

The Guardian

Some of them are hollow.

The New Yorker

They are hollow, phantoms, identity-less.

The Guardian

Their "trust us" nostrums are hollow.

The Guardian - Opinion

The initial creatures are hollow tubes.

The New York Times - Science

Their hairs are hollow, providing insulation.

The New York Times

Some of their excuses are hollow.

The New York Times

An illusionist whose tricks are hollow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Floaters are hollow and unlikely to germinate.

The New York Times - Science

To some on campus, those words are hollow.

The New York Times - Sports

Because bird bones are hollow, they don't mineralize very well.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are hollow" to describe abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly establishes what should be filling the void. For instance, "Their promises are hollow because they lack concrete action."

Common error

Avoid using "are hollow" in contexts where the emptiness isn't easily understood. Instead of saying "His ideas are hollow", specify what makes them so, such as "His ideas are hollow because they're impractical and lack real-world application."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are hollow" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something lacks substance, sincerity, or depth. Ludwig provides examples where it describes victories, promises, and words as lacking genuine value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are hollow" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something lacking substance, sincerity, or depth. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what the subject is lacking. Alternatives like "lack substance" or "ring false" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Remember to avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack substance

Focuses on the absence of real content or worth.

ring false

Emphasizes the insincerity or deceptiveness of something.

sound empty

Highlights the lack of meaning or emotional depth.

feel meaningless

Focuses on the lack of purpose or significance.

seem insincere

Highlights the lack of genuineness or authenticity.

are devoid of content

Emphasizes the complete absence of substance.

offer nothing

Focuses on the lack of value or benefit.

are just words

Highlights the lack of action or commitment behind statements.

prove to be baseless

Emphasizes the lack of factual support or foundation.

turn out to be futile

Focuses on the lack of positive outcome or result.

FAQs

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

You can use "are hollow" to describe something lacking substance, sincerity, or depth. For example, "The politician's promises are hollow and lack real commitment."

What can I say instead of "are hollow"?

You can use alternatives like "lack substance", "ring false", or "sound empty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the words are empty" or "the words are hollow"?

Both phrases convey a lack of meaning or sincerity, but "are hollow" often suggests a deeper sense of emptiness or deception. "Are empty" is more general, while "are hollow" implies a void where something substantial should be.

What's the difference between "are hollow" and "are meaningless"?

"Are hollow" suggests an emptiness or lack of genuine substance, while "are meaningless" indicates a lack of purpose or significance. Something that's hollow might have a form but no content, while something meaningless lacks inherent value.