close to empty

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to empty" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is nearly depleted or has very little left. For example, "The gas tank is close to empty." Alternative expressions include "nearly empty" and "almost empty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

My fuel gauge was close to empty.

The New Yorker

So, in many districts, some buses run close to empty.

The New York Times

So since space is very close to empty, sound waves cannot propagate.

Cornell University

During the '90s Mr. Bowie did seem to be running close to empty.

The New York Times - Arts

But in the context of curriculum, the "Preparing Kids for Life" column was close to empty.

The Washington Post

She tells me that much of the memory vault from that time is close to empty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Currently, 700 AIG employees are potential beneficiaries, but they and their predecessors have not come close to emptying the pot.

The Economist

It sounds in parts like a Gertrude Stein poem with repetitive, singsong lines that come close to emptying themselves of meaning.

The New York Times - Arts

It became clear to Pentagon officials that the original plan of releasing some Afghan prisoners outright and transferring other detainees to Afghan custody would not come close to emptying the existing detention center.

The New York Times

One helpful maneuver: selecting olives from the large porcelain dish that was closest to empty because those were the ones everyone else was buying -- a mélange of multicolored olives with marinated martini onions and fava beans in vinaigrette.

The New York Times - Travel

In fact, it tends to increase the length of gas lines since people who are allowed to get gas on a given day may feel pressured to do so, even if they would normally wait until their gas tank was closer to empty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to empty" to describe abstract concepts like energy or motivation, ensure the context clearly indicates a state of depletion, for example: "After weeks of intense work, his creative well was close to empty".

Common error

Avoid using "close to empty" when you actually mean 'completely empty'. The phrase indicates nearness to emptiness, not actual emptiness, for example: It's wrong saying "the glass is close to empty" when it is really "the glass is empty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to empty" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate a state of near-depletion or significant reduction. Ludwig examples show its use with both tangible objects (fuel gauge, reservoirs) and abstract concepts (emotional state, strategies).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to empty" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something that is nearing depletion. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts, from describing fuel levels to emotional states. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a broad range of writing styles. While alternatives like "almost empty" or "nearly depleted" exist, "close to empty" remains a reliable and easily understood choice. Remember to use the phrase accurately, ensuring it reflects a state of near-emptiness rather than complete emptiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically empty

Highlights the minimal amount remaining.

nearly depleted

Emphasizes the process of something becoming significantly reduced.

nearing emptiness

Highlights the progression towards complete emptiness.

running low

Indicates a diminishing supply of something.

almost vacant

Focuses on the lack of occupants or contents.

approaching depletion

Focuses on the gradual reduction of resources.

on the verge of running out

Implies an imminent exhaustion of supply.

scarcely full

Highlights the lack of fullness and abundance.

virtually void

Stresses the absence of something, often in a figurative sense.

almost bare

Focuses on the near absence of contents or covering.

FAQs

How can I use "close to empty" in a sentence?

You can use "close to empty" to describe a container or resource that is almost completely used up. For example, "The gas tank was "close to empty", so we stopped at the next gas station".

What are some alternatives to "close to empty"?

Some alternatives to "close to empty" include "nearly depleted", "almost vacant", and "practically empty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "almost empty" or "close to empty"?

"Almost empty" and "close to empty" are largely interchangeable. "Almost empty" is perhaps slightly more common, but "close to empty" is perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct.

What does it mean when someone says their 'emotional tank' is "close to empty"?

When someone says their 'emotional tank' is "close to empty", they mean they are feeling emotionally drained, exhausted, and have little resilience left. They may need rest, support, or a break from stressors to recharge.