empty of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty of life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place, situation, or object that lacks vitality, energy, or activity. Example: "The abandoned house stood silent and empty of life, with weeds overtaking the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It shows its true self only during the two hours after dawn, when it is almost empty of life.

The New Yorker

Streets slow to be plowed were empty of life at midday Monday, though often oddly slanted, as if they had been deactivated.

The New York Times

Rare drone footage from Aleppo obtained by Reuters shows a wrecked city, with the shells of apartment blocks lining broad boulevards with vast shell craters and almost entirely empty of life.

The Guardian

A crowded Bruegel street scene becomes eerily empty of life while the floorspace of Van Gogh's bedroom is cleared, all the detritus being stored on top of, and underneath, his bed: it's dadaist whimsy a go-go, certainly, but also recalls the Cage of the Harmonies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the quiet kitchen, our house seemed emptied of life.

The New Yorker

Although the diplomatic quarter quickly emptied of life when several rockets sailed over the top of the American embassy, in the rest of the city the shops remained open.

The Economist

Clashes and gunfire broke out even in well-heeled precincts of the capital far from the protest camps, leaving anxious residents huddled in their homes and the streets all but emptied of life.

The New York Times

The notion of an occupied apartment as evidence of a life lived — or here of a life disrupted, displaced and resumed — is especially tangible in an apartment that is emptied of life and, as such, a kind of memorial if not a tomb.

The New York Times - Arts

We are all addictive creatures, stumbling through the empty rituals of life without ever knowing why.

Independent

"My ambition is to reform the Four Hundred by making them too deeply disgusted with themselves to continue their silly, empty way of life," he told the Times.

The New Yorker

Grozny was empty of normal life on Sunday, bristling only with men with guns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty of life" to create a strong sense of absence or desolation, especially when describing a place that once had vitality. For example: "The city streets were empty of life after the evacuation."

Common error

Avoid using "empty of life" in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or formal in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lifeless" or "deserted" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty of life" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating a lack of vitality or living presence. It's used to paint a vivid picture of desolation or absence, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty of life" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a lack of vitality or living presence. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not overly common, it effectively conveys desolation, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases like "devoid of life" or "lacking vitality" offer similar meanings, though "empty of life" often carries a slightly more dramatic or literary tone. When writing, it's important to consider the context and audience, as "empty of life" may not be suitable for informal settings. Ludwig AI also highlights that it works as an adjectival modifier to paint a picture of absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of life

Emphasizes a complete absence of life.

lifeless

A more direct and concise way to describe something without life.

lacking vitality

Focuses on the absence of energy and vigor.

without animation

Emphasizes the absence of movement and liveliness.

bereft of life

Suggests a sense of loss and deprivation of life.

deserted

Implies abandonment and a lack of people or activity.

desolate

Highlights the emptiness and barrenness of a place.

uninhabited

Specifically refers to the absence of inhabitants, especially human.

vacant

Suggests a lack of occupants or contents.

sterile

Implies an inability to support life or growth.

FAQs

What does "empty of life" mean?

The phrase "empty of life" means lacking any sign of vitality, activity, or living beings. It suggests a state of desolation, abandonment, or absence of liveliness.

How can I use "empty of life" in a sentence?

You can use "empty of life" to describe a place, situation, or object lacking vitality. For example: "The abandoned house was "empty of life".".

What are some alternatives to "empty of life"?

Alternatives to "empty of life" include "devoid of life", "lacking vitality", "lifeless", and "desolate". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "empty of life" a formal or informal phrase?

"Empty of life" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "lifeless" or "deserted" may be more appropriate.