as empty as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as empty as possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state or condition where the goal is to minimize contents or fill. Example: "To ensure the best results, please keep the container as empty as possible before adding the new ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We try to keep it as empty as possible.

The New Yorker

Chas Rader-Shieber's direction seems intent on keeping the stage as empty as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

* Make sure closets are as empty as possible and neatly organized.

Los Angeles Times

Voters are more interested in captains and less so in vessels, especially vessels that make a studied practice of appearing to be as empty as possible.

Huffington Post

One of the joys of the job is training camp, and a couple of times a summer, relaxing with a few beers and crickets at a minor league game with the stands as empty as possible.

Huffington Post

The brewery was offering students free beer if they secured and handed over event tickets, with the goal of collecting as many tickets as possible so that the venue would be as empty as possible.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It was as empty as a sarcophagus".

The New York Times - Books

But not as empty as death.

The New Yorker

But for all this to work, the therapist needs to be as empty, or as "blank", as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Zaera-Polo explains: "We hope that by looking at those ingredients, almost trying to forget that you are trying to achieve a building, by trying to free your mind and look in a state as empty of preconceptions as possible, you will be able to generate something different".

The Guardian - Arts

He devised simple rules for using the railway in war, insisting, for example, that all wagons be emptied as quickly as possible and removed from the railhead so that they did not clog the unloading station and could be readily reused.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as empty as possible" in instructions, be specific about what constitutes 'empty' in that context. For instance, specify if residue is acceptable or if a complete void is required.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "as empty as possible" without defining a clear threshold. This can lead to subjective interpretations and inconsistent results. Provide measurable criteria whenever feasible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as empty as possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which something should be emptied. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as empty as possible" is grammatically sound and serves to instruct or advise minimizing the contents of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile across contexts like News, Wiki and Science, it's crucial to define 'empty' clearly to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "as devoid as achievable" or "with minimal contents" for nuanced meaning. Remember, specify the meaning of the word 'empty' so the reader can understand how close to zero a specific item or content should be.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as devoid as achievable

Replaces 'possible' with 'achievable', emphasizing the feasibility of reaching a state of emptiness.

as vacant as practical

Substitutes 'empty' with 'vacant' and 'possible' with 'practical', focusing on the usability of a space with minimal contents.

as clear as feasible

Replaces 'empty' with 'clear', implying the absence of obstructions or contents, and 'possible' with 'feasible', suggesting realistic attainability.

as bare as attainable

Replaces 'empty' with 'bare', emphasizing a complete lack of contents, and 'possible' with 'attainable', highlighting the ease of achieving emptiness.

with minimal contents

This is a structural change which avoids the "as...as possible" structure and focuses on the result of emptiness.

as sparse as can be

Replaces "empty" with "sparse", conveying a sense of minimal presence and adjusts the ending for emphasis.

with as little as you can

This alternative completely restructures the sentence, focusing on minimizing the amount of something.

keep it practically empty

Shifts to an imperative form, advising to maintain a state close to emptiness.

reduce to bare minimum

This option focuses on a reduction process with the goal of an essential state.

leave almost nothing inside

This version explicitly states the action of leaving very few items within a space.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as empty as possible"?

You can use alternatives like "as devoid as achievable", "as vacant as practical", or "with minimal contents depending on the context.

What does "as empty as possible" mean?

It means to reduce the contents of something to the greatest extent that is feasible or practical in a given situation. The exact interpretation depends on the context.

Is it better to say "as empty as possible" or "completely empty"?

Use "completely empty" when a total absence of contents is required. Use "as empty as possible" when there might be practical limitations preventing complete emptiness, or when a near-empty state is sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as empty as possible"?

Use it when you want to convey a strong preference for emptiness but acknowledge that achieving absolute emptiness might not be realistic or necessary. For example, "Please drain the container and leave it "as empty as possible" before returning it."