empty it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty it out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to remove the contents of a container or space completely. Example: "Before you recycle the bottle, make sure to empty it out completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

One by one, and together, they pry the piece apart, pump it up, empty it out, add vinegar to its gospel riffs, make its mocking quotation of the French national anthem sound positively sardonic, all the while detonating explosions of fioritura.

The New York Times - Arts

You feel the scattered musical forms fill the trembling space, then empty it out again.

The Guardian

(This saves you having to empty it out to know how much you have left – it'll be worth it later).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A lot of people assume that the only thing you can do with a small space is to empty it out, paint it white and sleep on a futon," he said.

The New York Times

Take the time to empty it out and clean out the space.

Huffington Post

When you quote that passage prepare your reader with a few sentences introducing the passage, then quote it, then explain it, NEVER expect the quote to speak for itself, unpack it, empty it out like a laundry bag full of grungy clothes and then make sense of it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We emptied it out and painted it and sold it for over asking price.

The New Yorker

Marco Rubio: "We should be putting people into Guantánamo, not emptying it out".

The New Yorker

I remember the fine grit in my sandals, how I emptied it out but then there it was again, ground into the soles of my feet.

The Guardian - Books

I emptied it out, discarding among other things a large bottle of hair conditioner, two bath towels and a hot water bottle.

The Guardian - Travel

The even more labor-intensive in-and-out martini required swirling 1/4 ounce of dry vermouth in the glass and then emptying it out before adding the gin or vodka.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty it out" when you want to emphasize the thoroughness of removing the contents from a container or space.

Common error

While "empty it out" is common, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "remove the contents" or "clear it completely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty it out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the action of emptying with an adverbial particle to emphasize completeness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It’s commonly used to instruct or describe the act of removing contents from something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

32%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "empty it out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that instructs or describes the act of removing all contents from a container or space. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal and is frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, and consider more formal alternatives like "remove the contents" in professional or academic writing. Common alternatives include ""clear it out"" and "unpack it".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear it out

Emphasizes making a space free of contents or obstructions.

unpack it

Focuses on removing contents from a container, often for examination or organization.

remove all contents

A more formal way of expressing the same idea, suitable for instructions or reports.

completely evacuate it

Implies a thorough removal of everything from a space.

discharge its contents

Focuses on the action of releasing the contents, especially liquids or bulk materials.

drain it completely

Specifically refers to removing liquids entirely.

dispose of everything inside

Highlights the action of getting rid of the contents, implying they are no longer needed.

rid it of its contents

A more emphatic way of stating that something is being cleared of its contents.

extract everything within

Implies a careful or methodical removal of all contents.

void it completely

Suggests making something entirely empty, often used in technical or medical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "empty it out" in a sentence?

You can use "empty it out" in a sentence to instruct someone to remove the contents of something completely, such as "Before storing the container, "clear it out" and wash it thoroughly".

What is a more formal alternative to "empty it out"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "remove the contents", "completely evacuate it", or "clear it completely".

Is it ever incorrect to use "empty it out"?

The phrase "empty it out" is grammatically correct, however, it may sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider your audience and choose language that fits the context.

What does "empty it out" mean?

The phrase "empty it out" means to remove everything from a container or space, leaving it completely bare. It emphasizes the act of making something void of its contents.