empty as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare something's emptiness to another object or concept, often to emphasize a lack of content or substance. Example: "The room felt as empty as a forgotten attic, with dust covering every surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The streets empty as soon as darkness falls.

The Economist

Now that bag of tricks is empty as well.

The New York Times

Government coffers could be empty as soon as July, shortly after this month's pivotal elections.

The New York Times

But if your history is empty, the new tab page is empty, as well.

TechCrunch

Supreme, usually another teen hotspot, was pretty empty as well.

Vice

Modell's was nearly empty as the mayor shopped.

The New York Times

"It was as empty as a sarcophagus".

The New York Times - Books

But not as empty as death.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The core of this game is not necessarily non-empty as shown by an example.

European Journal of Operational Research

"How did he threaten you?" My voice was as empty as a parrot's.

The New Yorker

Consider Dawn Lundy's "[When the bed is empty…]" as an example.[19].[19]

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty as" in similes to create vivid comparisons emphasizing a lack of substance, content, or activity. Consider the specific object or concept you're comparing to in order to enhance the imagery.

Common error

While "empty as" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Opt for synonyms like "devoid of" or "lacking in" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty as" functions primarily as a simile, creating a comparison to emphasize a state of emptiness or lack of content. This structure allows for vivid descriptions by associating the subject with a well-understood image of emptiness, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty as" is a simile used to vividly illustrate a state of emptiness or lack of content by drawing a comparison to something well-known for its emptiness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, "empty as" serves to evoke a sense of absence or desolation. While effective in descriptive writing, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings, such as "vacant as" or "hollow as", to enhance the sophistication of your prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant as

Focuses on the absence of occupants or contents, suitable for describing physical spaces.

hollow as

Implies a lack of substance or meaning, often used metaphorically.

devoid of

Highlights the complete absence of something specific.

bereft of

Suggests a loss or deprivation, carrying a stronger emotional tone.

barren as

Emphasizes the inability to produce or support life or growth.

blank as

Highlights the absence of information or expression.

desolate as

Conveys a sense of loneliness and abandonment.

sterile as

Suggests an inability to create or reproduce, often used in a technical or scientific context.

unfilled as

Highlights the state of not being occupied or completed.

without content

Directly states the lack of content, suitable for a literal or figurative context.

FAQs

How can I use "empty as" in a sentence?

You can use "empty as" in similes to describe the state of being empty. For example, "The room felt as "empty as" a forgotten attic."

What are some alternatives to "empty as"?

You can use alternatives like "vacant as", "hollow as", or "devoid of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "empty as" in writing?

"Empty as" is suitable for descriptive writing where you want to emphasize a lack of content or activity. However, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "empty as"?

When something is described as "empty as", it means it lacks content, occupants, or activity, often creating a sense of desolation or lack of substance. The comparison helps to vividly illustrate the degree of emptiness.