becomes empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes empty" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where something transitions from being full to having no contents. For example: "The box becomes empty after all the items are removed." Alternative expressions include "turns empty," "empties out," and "is emptied."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's what happens when Seattle becomes empty.

The New York Times

becomes empty she is very happy.

The New Yorker

San Francisco becomes empty in this time lapse video.

The New York Times

In their hands, language becomes empty and socially ambiguous.

The Guardian - Arts

If we forget the true purpose of something, it becomes empty, a mere meaningless ritual.

The Guardian - Books

"If they are not there, if form becomes empty and groundless, then there is no art".

The New York Times - Arts

Genealogy's lyrics continually repeat the words "don't deny" and the official video features a family portrait that slowly becomes empty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Algorithm cut-off polyhedron (COP) provides a cutting plane of the polyhedron, and reduces the polyhedron recursively until the polyhedron becomes empty.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

There are reports that version 5.10.8 of the BOINC client software causes a problem on Windows XP Pro in which the desktop becomes empty.

University of California, Berkeley

(If the tasklist becomes empty, direction is set to 0 and the elevator sleeps). So, while tasklist is not empty, we first remove a task from it.

University of California, Berkeley

If these companies fall below the quota and a board seat becomes empty, it must be kept empty until 30% is reached again.The two ministers have had to overcome serious opposition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes empty" when describing a gradual process where something is being emptied, rather than a sudden event. For example, "The queue becomes empty as the system processes each item".

Common error

Avoid using "becomes empty" in overly abstract contexts where other phrases like "loses meaning" or "becomes irrelevant" might be more appropriate. Be precise with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes empty" functions as a verb phrase, describing a process or change of state where something transitions from having contents to having none. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becomes empty" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that describes the process of something being emptied or depleted. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in scientific and news contexts, making it appropriate for a variety of writing styles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best used to describe gradual emptying processes, and you should consider alternative phrases like "empties out" or "is depleted" depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse in abstract situations where more precise language may be necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empties out

This alternative uses a phrasal verb to convey the action of becoming empty.

is depleted

This alternative focuses on the state of being reduced or exhausted.

is exhausted

This alternative is similar to "is depleted", emphasizing complete consumption.

is vacated

This alternative suggests the removal of occupants or contents.

runs out

This alternative implies that a supply or resource is completely used.

is drained

This alternative suggests that something is gradually emptied.

is consumed

This alternative is often used when something is used up over time.

is devoid of

This alternative emphasizes the absence of something.

is completely used up

This alternative conveys the idea of total consumption and emphasizes the completion of the process.

reaches zero

This alternative focuses on achieving a state of emptiness in terms of quantity or count.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes empty" to describe a process where something is gradually emptied. For example, "The fuel tank "becomes empty" after several hours of driving".

What are some alternatives to "becomes empty"?

Some alternatives to "becomes empty" include "empties out", "is depleted", or "runs out", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the room becomes empty"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the room "becomes empty"". This suggests that people gradually leave the room until no one is left.

What's the difference between "becomes empty" and "is empty"?

"Becomes empty" describes a transition, indicating a process of emptying. "Is empty" describes a state of being, indicating that something is currently devoid of contents. For example, "The bottle "becomes empty" after I drink the water", but "The bottle "is empty" now".