devoid of anybody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of anybody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place or situation that lacks any people or individuals. Example: "The once bustling café was now devoid of anybody, leaving only the sound of the wind rustling through the empty chairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Ciudad Juárez belongs in its own category, with thousands killed each year, the exodus of tens of thousands of residents, the spectacle of the biggest national holiday last week observed in a square virtually devoid of anybody but the police and soldiers, and the ever-present fear of random death.

The New York Times

The problem was that the store was once again devoid of anybody but the staff, my photographer, and me.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rest of the island, while picturesque, is hot, humid and devoid of things anybody might reasonably call "attractions".

The New York Times - Magazine

He is, on the other hand, about as devoid of artifice and grandiosity as anybody you will meet on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times - Magazine

Think of anybody you admire.

The New York Times

None of anybody's.

The New Yorker

Remind you of anybody?

Vice

It's not anybody's fault because it's sort of anybody in the department's job.

Ageing and Society

Devoid of social value.

The New York Times

Devoid of all dismay.

Independent

Devoid of any empathy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of anybody", ensure that the context clearly indicates a complete absence of people, not just a small number. This phrase emphasizes emptiness or abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of anybody" when you simply mean that there are few people present. "Devoid" implies a complete absence, not a scarcity. Consider using "sparsely populated" or "nearly empty" instead if the location is not completely empty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of anybody" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as lacking any people. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing physical spaces, highlighting a complete absence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of anybody" is a grammatically correct, though uncommon, way to express the complete absence of people. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples primarily from news and media sources. While acceptable, it's important to use this phrase precisely, ensuring that it reflects a total lack of human presence, rather than just a small number of people. Consider using more common alternatives like "empty of people" for broader contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty of people

Replaces "devoid" with "empty", a more common and straightforward synonym.

lacking any people

Uses "lacking" instead of "devoid", providing a simpler and more direct alternative.

without a soul in sight

An idiomatic expression conveying the absence of people, adding a touch of imagery.

completely deserted

Focuses on the state of being abandoned or empty, implying a prior presence of people.

nobody around

A very informal way of saying that a place is empty.

uninhabited by anyone

A more formal way to state that no one is living in a specific area.

absent of human presence

More formal alternative, highlighting the lack of any human being.

bereft of human beings

Uses "bereft" for a more literary and evocative description of absence.

devoid of human life

This alternative highlights the absence of life in a specific area.

empty of all inhabitants

Focuses specifically on the lack of residents or occupants.

FAQs

What does "devoid of anybody" mean?

The phrase "devoid of anybody" means completely empty of people, lacking any human presence whatsoever. It emphasizes the absence of individuals in a particular place or situation.

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

You can use "devoid of anybody" to describe a place that is completely empty of people. For example: "The town square was "devoid of anybody" after the curfew was announced."

Are there synonyms for "devoid of anybody"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "empty of people", "lacking any people", or "without a soul in sight" as alternatives to "devoid of anybody".

Is "devoid of anybody" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "devoid of anybody" is not as common as other similar phrases like "empty of people". It's best used when you want to emphasize the complete absence of human presence. Consider more common alternatives for general use.