created a void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "created a void" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the creation of an empty space in a particular situation, either figurative or literal. For example: When Tracy left, she created a void that no one else could fill.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"His departure has created a void which may perhaps never ever be filled.

The New York Times

Your leaving has created a void which can never be filled.

The New York Times

But their inexperience has created a void in leadership, which Amaker saw Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

"It created a void," he said about the loss of his alter ego.

The New York Times

The absence of the cantor, who has served the congregation for 23 years, created a void.

The New York Times

Though she was never particularly close to him, she said, her father's absence during her early adolescence created a void that decimated her self-esteem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Karen leaving does create a void," he said.

The New York Times

Their absence creates a void at the All-Star Game.

The New York Times - Sports

Your passing creates a void that can not be filled.

The New York Times

If anything, Ms. Kawakubo was marking her territory by creating a void.

The New York Times

Adverts, designed to make you feel bad, depressed me – they create a void.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "created a void" when you want to emphasize the active role of something in generating a sense of loss or absence. For instance, 'His departure created a void in the team' highlights the impact of his leaving.

Common error

Avoid using "created a void" in situations where a simple absence or lack is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or overly sentimental. A simple 'There was a lack of resources' is often more appropriate than 'The situation created a void of resources'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "created a void" functions primarily as a verbal phrase describing the action of bringing about a state of absence or emptiness. It often implies a significant loss or lack, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples relating to death, departure, or failure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "created a void" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the generation of an absence or emptiness, often with implications of loss or the need for replacement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. As the provided examples show, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, consider whether a simpler term like 'absence' or 'lack' might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Related phrases include "left a vacuum" and "caused an emptiness", which offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left a vacuum

Emphasizes the resulting emptiness after something is removed.

caused a vacuum

Similar to "left a vacuum", implying a deficiency.

generated an emptiness

Focuses on the feeling of absence created.

brought about a gap

Highlights the formation of a space or interval.

resulted in a gap

Highlights that a space was the outcome of something.

opened a gulf

Suggests creating a significant division or difference.

instigated an absence

Highlights the action of initiating a state of being away or lacking.

produced a lacuna

Lacuna is a more formal and technical term for a gap or missing part.

engendered a hollowness

Focuses on the emotional or spiritual absence that was caused.

yielded a space

Implies the production of an available area.

FAQs

How to use "created a void" in a sentence?

You can use "created a void" to describe the absence or emptiness left by someone or something. For example, "The company's bankruptcy created a void in the market." or "Her departure created a void in our hearts."

What can I say instead of "created a void"?

You can use alternatives like "left a vacuum", "caused an emptiness", or "brought about a gap" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "created a void" or "filled a void"?

"Created a void" and "filled a void" are both correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Created a void" means to generate an absence, while "filled a void" means to occupy an existing absence.

What's the difference between "created a void" and "created a vacuum"?

While similar, "created a void" generally refers to a more figurative or emotional absence. "Created a vacuum" often implies a more literal or functional absence that needs to be filled. Either choice is correct and valid, but subtle nuances may make one choice slightly better than another.