empty house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty house" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a house that is unoccupied or has no furniture. An example is: "The empty house stood silently at the end of the street." Alternative expressions include "vacant home" and "uninhabited residence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Like broken windows in an empty house.

The Guardian - Books

It might be an empty house.

The Guardian - Books

"You come home to an empty house.

The New York Times

I'm crying in an empty house.

The Guardian - Books

It is a rough-hewn, empty house.

The Guardian

"I have a relatively large, empty house.

The New York Times

There's an empty house and a pond.

The New Yorker

"August came home to an empty house.

The New Yorker

Peering out at the empty house, Fonda looked very small.

The New Yorker

"Welcome to our show!" Esper yelled to the empty house.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Empty houses mean untended pools.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty house" to vividly portray feelings of loneliness, abandonment, or transition in your narrative. It can symbolize loss, change, or the absence of human connection.

Common error

Avoid using "empty house" solely to describe a physical space. Consider the emotional implications, as it often carries undertones of sadness or neglect. If you intend to convey neutrality, opt for a term like "vacant house" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty house" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a house that is currently unoccupied. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empty house" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe a house without occupants. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various reputable sources, primarily in News & Media. While its primary function is descriptive, it often carries emotional connotations such as loneliness or loss. Alternatives like ""vacant house"" may be more appropriate when a neutral tone is desired. When employing this phrase in your writing, be mindful of the emotional undertones it may evoke.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant house

Replaces "empty" with "vacant", emphasizing the lack of occupants or contents.

uninhabited house

Uses "uninhabited" to highlight the absence of residents.

abandoned house

Suggests the house has been deserted and left behind.

desolate house

Focuses on the sadness and loneliness associated with an unoccupied house.

unoccupied dwelling

A more formal way of saying "empty house", using "dwelling" instead of "house".

vacant property

Refers to the house as a piece of real estate that is currently not in use.

deserted building

Emphasizes the forsaken nature of the structure.

shell of a house

Implies that only the structure of the house remains, without any interior life.

ghost house

Evokes a sense of eeriness and the presence of past memories or spirits.

house left empty

Highlights the action of leaving the house unoccupied, shifting the focus to the cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty house" to describe a physical dwelling lacking occupants, such as: "She returned to an "empty house" after the children moved out" or "The "empty house" stood silently at the end of the street".

What are some synonyms for "empty house"?

Alternatives include "vacant house", "uninhabited house", "abandoned house" or "desolate house" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does an "empty house" symbolize in literature?

An "empty house" often symbolizes loneliness, loss, abandonment, or the passage of time. It can represent a void in someone's life or a significant change or absence.

Is it better to say "empty house" or "vacant house"?

Both are correct, but "empty house" often carries a stronger emotional connotation of sadness or loss, while "vacant house" is more neutral and simply indicates the lack of occupants.