devoid of any

USAGE SUMMARY

"devoid of any" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It means "lacking any of something or empty of something". For example, "The garden was devoid of any flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Devoid of any empathy.

The New York Times

But Amin is devoid of any principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mulkearns seemed totally devoid of any emotion".

The Guardian

We could be devoid of any type of human emotion".

The New Yorker

Both men were devoid of any natural ingredients.

The New York Times

Hong Kong is practically devoid of any significant mineral resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It created a dreamy soft custard devoid of any bounce.

The New York Times - Food

It's devoid of any spirituality or any intimacy with the creator.

The Guardian - Arts

Because sugar water is devoid of any crucial protective properties, it's trickery on an insect level.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it has also been remarkably devoid of any real discussion of educational issues.

The New Yorker

The advertisements are striking in that they are devoid of any overt attacks on opponents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context. While "devoid of any" is generally acceptable, more formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "bereft of" or "lacking in".

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of any" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "without" or "lacking" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of any" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a complete absence or lack of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to emphasize this absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of any" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies a complete absence or lack of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is commonly employed to assert a strong negative statement, with frequent occurrences in news, media, and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and adjust the formality accordingly, perhaps opting for simpler alternatives like "without" or "lacking" in more casual settings. Remember to use "devoid of any" when complete absence requires emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of

Expresses the absence of something without the addition of "any".

lacking any

Synonymous alternative to "devoid of any", stressing absence.

absent of

Directly indicates the non-existence or unavailability of something.

bereft of

A more formal and literary way to express a lack or loss.

lacking in

Emphasizes a deficiency or shortage, similar to being without something.

empty of

Focuses on the emptiness or absence within a space or container.

without

A simpler, more general way to express the lack of something.

wanting in

Indicates something is missing or insufficient.

free from

Highlights the state of being unburdened or clear of something unwanted.

missing

Simply states that something is not present.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of any" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of any" to emphasize a complete absence. For example, "The landscape was "devoid of any" trees" indicates there were absolutely no trees present.

What can I say instead of "devoid of any"?

Alternatives include "lacking in", "absent of", or simply "without", depending on the desired emphasis and context.

Is it redundant to say "devoid of any"?

While "devoid" already implies an absence, adding "of any" can strengthen the emphasis on the completeness of that absence. However, consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "devoid of" and "devoid of any"?

Both phrases indicate a lack of something. "Devoid of" suggests a general absence, while ""devoid of any"" emphasizes a complete absence, leaving no room for even a small amount of something.