devoid of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"devoid of ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something does not contain any ideas. For example, "His speech was completely devoid of ideas; it was just repeating the same point over and over again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But we were devoid of ideas and everything.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been devoid of ideas quite honestly".

The Guardian

At times, especially around Albion's area, Spurs looked devoid of ideas.

The Guardian - Sport

The Springboks looked under-prepared, devoid of ideas, never mind inspiration.

The Guardian - Sport

Both major political parties have become sclerotic and devoid of ideas.

The New York Times

It does not necessarily mean Mr Gore is devoid of ideas.

The Economist

Lambert was brought on after an hour, when Liverpool were looking increasingly devoid of ideas.

Independent

"The fact of the matter is they are hiding behind this issue because they are devoid of ideas".

The New York Times

Pedestrian in possession and devoid of ideas going forward, Leicester were plodding their way through the match.

The Guardian - Sport

On page 289, the narrator confesses: "As for my own brain, it was still completely devoid of ideas".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rock acts still generated millions of dollars in sales, but they were devoid of ideas--simply living off the energy and imagination of earlier generations of musicians and fans.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of ideas", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking ideas. For instance, specify whether it's a person, a plan, or a creative work that lacks ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of ideas" when you actually mean "lacking resources". The phrase specifically refers to a lack of conceptual or innovative thinking, not a lack of materials or funding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of ideas" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun lacks ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, exemplified by numerous real-world instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of ideas" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something lacking in creativity or innovation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various reputable sources, including news, sports, and books. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring it refers to a lack of conceptual thinking rather than a lack of resources. Consider alternatives like "lacking in ideas" or "bereft of ideas" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in ideas

Indicates a deficiency or shortage of ideas.

bereft of ideas

Suggests a more severe deprivation of ideas, implying a sense of loss.

empty of ideas

Emphasizes the absence of ideas, portraying a void.

without any ideas

A straightforward way to express the absence of ideas.

unimaginative

Focuses on the lack of creativity and inventiveness.

uninspired

Highlights the absence of motivation or creativity.

not creative

A direct and simple way to state the lack of creativity.

intellectually barren

Suggests a lack of intellectual stimulation and new concepts.

sterile of innovation

Implies an inability to produce new or original ideas.

lacking ingenuity

Highlights the absence of cleverness or originality.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of ideas" to describe something lacking in creativity or innovation. For example, "The presentation was "devoid of ideas", offering no new solutions to the problem."

What's a more formal way to say "devoid of ideas"?

A more formal alternative to "devoid of ideas" could be "lacking in conceptual innovation" or "bereft of inventive thought". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "lacking in ideas", "bereft of ideas", or "empty of ideas" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "devoid from ideas" instead of "devoid of ideas"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "devoid" is "of". Therefore, "devoid of ideas" is the grammatically correct phrase. "Devoid from ideas" is not standard English.