empty as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty as a" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to compare something with a lack of content or meaning. Example: His head felt empty as a balloon, after trying to learn the new software all day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It was as empty as a sarcophagus".

The New York Times - Books

The tinderbox as empty as a train at 5 a.m.

The New Yorker

Today, John's Restaurant was as empty as a freeholders meeting.

The New York Times

On Sundays the world is as bright and empty as a balloon.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

The aisle is as wide, long and empty as a bowling alley.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But all I "see" is as white as a polar bear and as empty as an iceberg.

The New Yorker

The forest is noticeably emptier as a result of heavy poaching.

Science Magazine

The Minnesota bench initially emptied as a result of this intentional act, but was controlled by the Minnesota Coaches.

Wikipedia

Make sure the lint tray is emptied, as a full tray can cause fires or make it impossible to dry the clothes.

WikiHow

Campbell described the examination of the pot, which has yet to be emptied, as "an excavation in microcosm".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "empty as a", ensure that the comparison is vivid and easily understood by your audience. For example, "empty as a stadium after the game" is more impactful than "empty as a box".

Common error

Avoid using cliché comparisons like "empty as a glass" too frequently. Strive for originality and relevance in your comparisons to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty as a" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the degree to which something lacks content, substance, or meaning, drawing a parallel with another object or concept known for its emptiness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empty as a" is a commonly used and grammatically sound comparative phrase to illustrate a lack of content or substance. Ludwig confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, focus on creating vivid comparisons that enhance your writing, and avoid overusing cliché examples. Consider alternative phrases like "devoid of content like" or "as hollow as" to bring more originality to the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant as

Replaces "empty" with a synonym, maintaining the comparative structure.

as hollow as

Uses "hollow" to describe lacking substance instead of "empty".

as blank as

Suggests a lack of information or expression.

devoid of content like

Focuses on the absence of content rather than using a direct comparison.

bereft of substance like

Emphasizes the lack of substance with a more formal tone.

as barren as

Employs "barren" to suggest emptiness and lack of productivity.

lacking content similar to

Highlights the absence of content in a more descriptive way.

as vapid as

Uses "vapid" to indicate a lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

with nothing inside, like

Describes the physical absence of contents using simple words.

completely without content, like

Highlights the completeness of the emptiness through a descriptive sentence.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty as a" to describe something that lacks content or substance, such as "The room was "empty as a tomb"" or "His promises were "empty as a politician's promise"".

What are some alternatives to "empty as a"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "hollow as a", "vacant as", or "devoid of content like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "empty as a"?

Yes, "empty as a" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase. It follows the standard structure of "adjective as a" to make a comparison.

What is the difference between "empty as a" and "completely empty"?

"Empty as a" implies a comparison to something else that is considered empty, while "completely empty" simply states that something has no contents at all. The first is figurative, the second is a statement of fact.