as empty as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as empty as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the emptiness of one thing to another, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the party, the room felt as empty as a deserted wasteland."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was as empty as a sarcophagus".

The New York Times - Books

But not as empty as death.

The New Yorker

His studio was as empty as before.

The New Yorker

We try to keep it as empty as possible.

The New Yorker

The tinderbox as empty as a train at 5 a.m.

The New Yorker

The cupboard is as empty as Gloria's electronic benefit card.

The New York Times

The landscape is nowhere near as empty as it seems.

The Guardian

Empty, perhaps, but not as empty as that.

The Guardian - Opinion

It simply makes his life as empty as hers.

The Guardian - Film

It's as empty as the middle of the night".

The New York Times

The strand as empty as it always was.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as empty as", choose a comparison that is easily understood and resonates with your audience. For instance, "as empty as a politician's promise" evokes a stronger image than "as empty as a box."

Common error

Avoid pairing "as empty as" with overused comparisons like "as empty as a grave" or "as empty as space". Opt for fresher, more original comparisons to make your writing stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as empty as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable and correct. It's used to describe something by comparing its emptiness to another entity, emphasizing the degree of emptiness. Examples on Ludwig show it modifying nouns in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as empty as" is a commonly used comparative phrase to emphasize the extent of emptiness, drawing a comparison with something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is found across various source types, with a prevalence in News & Media. While grammatically straightforward, creative and relevant comparisons can enhance its impact. Alternatives like "as devoid as" or "as vacant as" can be used for variety. Avoid overused clichés to maintain originality. Therefore, understanding its nuances and usage patterns can help writers effectively convey a sense of emptiness in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as devoid as

Emphasizes a complete absence of something, similar to "as empty as" but perhaps more absolute.

as vacant as

Suggests a lack of occupation or content, often used to describe a space or a person's expression.

as hollow as

Implies a lack of substance or sincerity, extending the meaning of emptiness beyond physical space.

as bare as

Focuses on the absence of covering or ornamentation, conveying a sense of starkness.

as desolate as

Highlights the loneliness and barrenness of a place or situation.

as barren as

Similar to "as desolate as", but often used in the context of land or creative output.

as blank as

Emphasizes the lack of information or expression, often referring to a surface or a mind.

as deserted as

Indicates a place abandoned by people, highlighting the absence of life.

as unoccupied as

Focuses on the lack of inhabitants or residents in a space.

as clear as

Indicates something is easy to perceive or understand, the opposite of being filled with confusion or complication.

FAQs

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

Use "as empty as" to emphasize a lack of content or substance by comparing it to something else known for its emptiness. For example, "The theater was "as empty as a tomb" on opening night."

What are some alternatives to saying "as empty as"?

You can use phrases like "as devoid as", "as vacant as", or "as hollow as" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "so empty as" instead of "as empty as"?

While "so empty as" might be grammatically valid in some contexts, "as empty as" is the more common and idiomatic expression for comparisons. It is generally preferred in modern English.

What's the difference between "as empty as" and "completely empty"?

"As empty as" is a comparative phrase that likens the emptiness to something else, providing a more vivid image. "Completely empty" is a direct statement of emptiness without comparison and carries a literal significance.