be deserted

USAGE SUMMARY

'be deserted' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to an area or place that has been abandoned and is void of people. Example: The town square was usually filled with people, but due to the pandemic, it was suddenly deserted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"In a week from now, the deserted streets won't be deserted".

The New York Times

Must be deserted inside!

The Guardian

Many appear to be deserted for weeks.

The Economist

The airport would be deserted except for our charter.

The New York Times

Many planets will be deserted, some entirely barren.

The Guardian - Tech

"You would think Jerusalem would be deserted but it's not.

The New York Times - Science

"If that had happened, Tokyo would be deserted by now.

The Guardian

The city's downtown may still be deserted, but the Arts District isn't.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most people stayed home, and train terminals were reported to be deserted.

The New York Times

From only 1,000 feet, much of Manhattan seems to be deserted.

The New York Times

Occasionally, the city will be deserted – like a 21st-century ghost town.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be deserted" to vividly describe a location or situation that has been abandoned, emphasizing the absence of people or activity.

Common error

Ensure you are using "deserted" to mean abandoned and not confusing it with "dessert", which refers to a sweet dish served after a meal. The spelling difference is crucial for clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be deserted" functions as a passive verb phrase, often used to describe a state of abandonment or emptiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be deserted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase signifying a state of abandonment or emptiness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys that a place or thing is void of people or activity. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to use "be deserted" when you want to emphasize the absence of occupants or activity and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words. Exploring alternatives like ""be abandoned"" or ""be forsaken"" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be abandoned

This alternative emphasizes the act of being left behind, focusing on the cause of the desertion.

be forsaken

This alternative carries a stronger emotional tone, suggesting a sense of being abandoned or neglected.

be left empty

This alternative highlights the state of emptiness and lack of occupants.

be evacuated

This suggests a forced abandonment, usually due to danger or an emergency.

be vacated

Similar to 'be evacuated', but can also imply a voluntary departure, such as at the end of a lease.

be depopulated

Emphasizes a reduction in the population of an area, often due to migration or disaster.

be uninhabited

Focuses on the lack of inhabitants, implying a long-term or permanent condition.

be unoccupied

Implies a temporary state of being without occupants, often referring to buildings or rooms.

be isolated

Suggests a separation from others, leading to a state of emptiness or abandonment.

be desolate

This emphasizes the bleak and barren nature of a place, often after being deserted.

FAQs

How can I use "be deserted" in a sentence?

You can use "be deserted" to describe a place or thing that is empty or abandoned. For example, "The streets used to "be deserted" when it was broadcasting."

What phrases are similar to "be deserted"?

Similar phrases include "be abandoned", "be forsaken", or "be left empty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "be deserted" or "is deserted"?

Both "be deserted" and "is deserted" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Be deserted" is often used in future or conditional statements (e.g., "The island will be deserted"), while "is deserted" describes a current state (e.g., "The island is deserted now").

What's the difference between "deserted" and "isolated"?

"Deserted" implies that a place was once occupied but is now empty. "Isolated", on the other hand, suggests a place is cut off or separated from others, which may or may not imply previous occupation. A place can "be deserted" without being isolated, and vice versa.