empty eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

"empty eyes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical characteristic or to refer to someone's feelings or emotions. For example, "She stared at him with empty eyes, her sadness so palpable that it made him want to cry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The patients have hollow, empty eyes.

The Guardian

Those empty eyes, the yesterdays victory speech," one user posted.

The Guardian

They are anthropomorphic, with holes (where the taps would be) like empty eyes.

The New Yorker

Of course Kingsley's glowering monobrow, empty eyes and toothy maw look strange, aggressive, and unsettling.

The Guardian - Opinion

And when he looks at you with those round, empty eyes you'll do just the same.

The Guardian - Film

Used as burial sites, they look like large, empty eyes staring out to sea.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Clear, empty, eye freedom!

The Guardian - Opinion

His shrivelled tongue was thrust into an empty eye socket.

The New Yorker

Gaping like empty eye sockets, they cast a pall over the Dutch room.

The New York Times - Travel

If you gaze deep into an empty eye-socket, inner fissures can be seen.

The Guardian

Mostly, you'd notice their big, empty eye sockets and their beaks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty eyes" to vividly depict a character's emotional state or a sense of desolation. For example, "The refugees stared ahead with "empty eyes", a testament to the horrors they had witnessed."

Common error

Avoid using "empty eyes" excessively, as it can come across as cliché in overly dramatic or sentimental contexts. Opt for more nuanced descriptions to convey emotional depth.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "empty eyes" is as a noun phrase, where "empty" modifies the noun "eyes". Ludwig AI indicates its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty eyes" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a lack of emotion or vitality in someone's gaze. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the expression often serves to vividly depict sadness, trauma, or detachment. Alternative phrases like "lifeless eyes" or "hollow gaze" can be used to add subtle nuances to the description. While effective, it’s important to avoid overuse in melodramatic writing to maintain impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless eyes

Indicates a lack of emotion or feeling conveyed through the eyes.

lifeless eyes

Emphasizes the absence of vitality and animation in the eyes.

dead eyes

Emphasizes a complete absence of life or emotion in the eyes, often used for dramatic effect.

hollow gaze

Highlights the depth and emptiness perceived in someone's look.

unseeing eyes

Suggests a lack of awareness or engagement with the surrounding environment.

vacant stare

Focuses more on the act of staring, implying a lack of awareness or comprehension.

blank stare

Focuses on the lack of any discernible thought or feeling in the gaze.

drained eyes

Implies a loss of energy or vitality, leaving the eyes appearing weary.

glassy eyes

Suggests a fixed, unfocused look, often associated with shock or detachment.

listless gaze

Conveys a sense of apathy and indifference in the way someone looks.

FAQs

What does the phrase "empty eyes" typically describe?

The phrase "empty eyes" typically describes a lack of emotion, vitality, or understanding in someone's gaze. It can suggest sadness, trauma, detachment, or a general sense of hollowness.

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

You can use "empty eyes" to describe the appearance of a person, such as "He looked at me with "empty eyes", devoid of any spark of recognition". It can also be used figuratively to describe objects or places, such as "The abandoned buildings had darkened windows that looked like "empty eye sockets"".

What are some alternative phrases to "empty eyes"?

Some alternatives to "empty eyes" include "vacant stare", "lifeless eyes", "hollow gaze", or "expressionless eyes". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "empty eyes" to describe an object?

Yes, it is often used metaphorically. For instance, one might describe the windows of an abandoned building as "empty eyes" to evoke a sense of neglect and desolation.