empty mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"empty mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this to describe someone that is not thinking about anything, or maybe someone who is bored, or even just unable to focus. For example, "He sat in the corner with an empty mind, not thinking about anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Now, thankfully, I understand that the goal isn't an empty mind, but mindfulness.

Huffington Post

It is not an empty mind".

The New York Times

I need an empty mind, a clean slate.

The Guardian - Books

"If you are Christian," he said, "then people can have that kind of empty mind".

The New York Times - Sports

How on earth was I going to "sit quietly" with an empty mind for seven hours?

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm sorry, but there it is: the empty bog is the sign of an empty mind.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But Mr. Clark seems to have approached it without a thought in his head, as though declaring his solidarity with the empty minds of the characters.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Republicans won their (apolitical) hearts and (empty) minds -- by standing for nothing, but standing boldly nevertheless.

Huffington Post

Calm and inspired thoughts dive bomb my emptying mind around mile three.

Huffington Post

But, it's not necessary to empty your mind to practice mindfulness.

Huffington Post

The downcast, unsure-of-himself man remembered a quotation from Dr. Peale: "To eliminated abnormal worry, empty the mind daily... Upon emptying the mind, practice refilling it..."....

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty mind" to describe a meditative state or a deliberate attempt to clear one's thoughts for focus and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "empty mind" to suggest someone is unintelligent or lacks knowledge. The phrase often refers to a temporary state of mental clarity or focus, not a permanent condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty mind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of consciousness characterized by a lack of active thought or mental clutter. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty mind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a mental state devoid of active thought or distraction. According to Ludwig, it is correct and suitable for use in written English. While commonly associated with meditation and focus, it can also denote a lack of intellectual engagement. Context is key when using this phrase to avoid unintended implications. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of sources from News & Media to Science and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blank mind

Focuses more on the lack of content rather than the active emptying.

clear mind

Emphasizes the removal of distractions for clarity.

mindlessness

Highlights a state of being without thought or awareness.

absence of thought

Directly indicates the lack of cognitive activity.

mental void

Suggests a complete lack of mental content.

thoughtless state

Highlights the condition of not thinking.

unfocused mind

Implies a lack of concentration or direction in thought.

passive mind

Suggests a mind that is receptive but not actively thinking.

tranquil mind

Highlights the peaceful and undisturbed aspect of a mind free from worry.

unoccupied mind

Focuses on the lack of activity or tasks occupying the mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty mind" to describe a state of meditation, lack of focus, or a deliberate attempt to clear your thoughts. For example, "He tried to achieve an "empty mind" during his yoga practice."

What's the difference between "empty mind" and "blank mind"?

"Empty mind" often suggests a deliberate effort to clear thoughts, while "blank mind" usually describes a temporary inability to think or recall information.

What can I say instead of "empty mind"?

You can use alternatives like "clear mind", "absence of thought", or "mental void" depending on the context.

Is it always desirable to have an "empty mind"?

Not necessarily. While an ""empty mind"" can be beneficial for meditation and focus, it's important to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving in other situations. A balance is key.