empty expressions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty expressions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to words or phrases that lack true feeling or sincerity. For example, you might say: "My colleague's apologies were nothing more than empty expressions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Pat entered the meeting room empty-handed to see 16 other teammates with the same empty expressions.

The New York Times - Magazine

For some, she writes, "objections to the possibility of deeply meaningful digital narrative forms" are rooted in "empty expressions of nostalgia for older media artifacts".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As an additional control, cell extracts from cells stably expressing the empty expression vector were used.

Plosone

Uptake was corrected for the background observed with the DS68625 strain transformed with the empty expression vector and expressed in nmol/mgDW.min.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

PPARA promoter-reporter constructs were cotransfected with empty expression vector or vector expressing ERRα or ERRγ.

Plosone

Adipocytes expressing an inactive A2myr-PKB/Akt mutant or empty expression vector were used as negative controls.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The remaining xylose (X1) and xylodextrins in the culture media are shown for experiments with S. cerevisiae harboring an empty expression plasmid (vector), or with S. cerevisiae individually expressing transporters CDT-1 or CDT-2.

eLife

In contrast, both arsenicals inhibited ISGU in cells expressing the inactive A2myr-PKB/Akt mutant or the empty expression vector.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Such an interpretation would only be valid however if it the cells containing the empty expression vector were transfected with equal efficiency to those expressing any of the integrases.

BMC Biotechnology

FLAG tagged HNRNPA2 isoform or an empty expression vector was transfected into HeLa cells in combination with a GFP expressing plasmid.

BMC Genomics

"The sisterhood" is not an empty expression.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "empty expressions" to critique language or actions that seem devoid of genuine emotion or intent. It is particularly effective when contrasting superficial displays with deeper realities.

Common error

Avoid using "empty expressions" when describing something that is simply concise or straightforward. The phrase implies a lack of sincerity, not just brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty expressions" functions as a noun phrase, where 'empty' is an adjective modifying 'expressions'. It typically serves to describe utterances or displays that lack genuine feeling or sincerity. Ludwig examples show it being used to critique both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty expressions" is used to describe insincere or meaningless words and actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its usage in various contexts, though it remains relatively rare. Related phrases include "hollow pronouncements" and "insincere sentiments", each with slightly different nuances. When using "empty expressions", ensure you are critiquing a lack of genuine emotion or intent, and not just commenting on brevity. Remember, the phrase serves to highlight a disconnect between outward appearances and underlying realities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hollow pronouncements

Changes the noun to "pronouncements" emphasizing a formal declaration lacking substance.

meaningless gestures

Replaces "expressions" with "gestures", focusing on actions rather than words that lack genuine intent.

insincere sentiments

Substitutes "expressions" with "sentiments", highlighting the lack of genuine feeling behind the words.

vain utterances

Replaces "expressions" with "utterances", suggesting a spoken statement that is ultimately worthless.

shallow remarks

Emphasizes the superficial nature of the statements, indicating a lack of depth or thoughtfulness.

vacuous statements

Highlights the intellectual emptiness of the expressions, indicating a lack of intelligent content.

worthless rhetoric

Focuses on the use of language that is elaborate but ultimately lacking in substance or sincerity.

idle words

Implies that the expressions are not only empty but also unproductive or without purpose.

pointless phrases

Highlights that the expressions are without meaning or relevance in the given situation.

useless verbiage

Suggests an excessive use of words that are unnecessary and contribute nothing of value.

FAQs

What does "empty expressions" mean?

The phrase "empty expressions" refers to words, phrases, or gestures that lack genuine feeling, sincerity, or meaning. They are often seen as superficial or hollow.

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

You might say, "His apologies seemed like "empty expressions", as his actions didn't reflect remorse".

What are some alternatives to "empty expressions"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hollow pronouncements", "meaningless gestures", or "insincere sentiments", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "empty expressions" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when critically analyzing the lack of genuine substance behind words or actions, but consider the tone and audience.