empty period

USAGE SUMMARY

"empty period" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a pause in speech or as a sign of emphasis, to make a point or statement clear. For example: This is why I need your help—empty period—and I'm not going to take no for an answer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Other people like to find a project for this empty period.

Independent

It shifts the conclusion from an empty period to a desired response.

Forbes

The researchers surmised that the hippocampus was encoding the passage of time during the empty period, bridging the gap between the two phases of the test.

Science Magazine

In addition, production subsidies are given for the empty period (up to three years) at the same level as the year prior to the diagnosis [ 8].

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Post-publication disturbances such as absence of teachers typically pose a need for schedulers to rapidly implement some minor changes to avoid empty periods in the timetable.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Mr. Fritzsche said that barter transactions help fill empty periods in the Looney Bin's schedule and promote his business: "People call me to book a party and say, 'My kid had a great time at the Goldstein party.' The Goldstein party was barter.

The New York Times

THE WATCHMEN By Brian Fremantle St. Martin's Press ($25.95, hardcover) There is never a moment of the day or night when the United Nations' buildings between New York's East River and First Avenue are completely unoccupied, but just after dawn, when the missile hit, the green-glassed, skyscraper Secretariat Tower, is one of the emptiest periods, which was fortunate.

The New York Times

And now they're counting the months as their ovaries empty; every period a missed opportunity.

Independent

Low fertility among women with patterns of early childbirth has led to an extended empty nest period and to increased labor participation at midlife.

Duke University

Removal of all organic material, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the poultry house, and an empty resting period of 10 14 days between flocks can effectively eliminate residual infections.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

These experimental animals were subjected to the weekly CMS regime consisting of three 10 hr periods of 45° cage tilt; 3 periods of overnight stroboscopic illumination, two 10 hr periods of empty water bottle; two periods of overnight food or water deprivation; two 10 hr periods of damp bedding.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty period" to denote a clear and distinct timeframe where something is absent or inactive. This phrase is useful in both technical and general contexts for indicating a pause or lack of something.

Common error

Avoid using "empty period" simply as a synonym for "pause" in casual conversation. While it can indicate a break, "empty period" typically implies a more significant absence or lack of activity than a brief pause might suggest. For simple pauses, use "pause" or "break."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty period" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjectival modifier combined with a noun ("period") to describe a specific duration characterized by a lack of activity, occupancy, or content. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty period" effectively denotes a timeframe lacking activity, content, or occupancy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia, demonstrating its versatility. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to avoid misusing it as a direct synonym for "pause" in casual scenarios. Related phrases like "idle spell" or "vacant interval" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can accurately and effectively use "empty period" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idle spell

Replaces "period" with "spell", emphasizing a short duration of inactivity.

vacant interval

Substitutes "empty" with "vacant" and "period" with "interval", highlighting a lack of occupation within a specific timeframe.

blank timeframe

Uses "blank" instead of "empty" and "timeframe" for "period", suggesting a space with nothing recorded or happening.

unfilled slot

Replaces "period" with "slot", implying an available space in a schedule or sequence.

dead air

Uses a metaphorical term "dead air" to describe a silent or inactive period, especially in broadcasting.

lull in activity

Focuses on the reduction of activity during the period, suggesting a temporary pause.

dormant phase

Implies a state of inactivity or suspension during the indicated time.

quiet stretch

Highlights the calm and lack of disturbance during the specified period.

downtime

Uses a common term for a period of inactivity or rest, often referring to breaks or scheduled pauses.

hiatus

Suggests a temporary break or interruption in a sequence or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty period" to describe a timeframe with inactivity, like "The poultry house requires an "empty resting period" between flocks" or "The building will be "empty for a long period of time" during renovations".

What is a more formal alternative to "empty period"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "vacant interval", "dormant phase", or "hiatus". These options provide a similar meaning while sounding more professional.

Is "empty period" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "empty period" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when describing experimental conditions or phases where something is intentionally absent or inactive. Review specific journal guidelines for preferred terminology.

What's the difference between "empty period" and "idle period"?

"Empty period" emphasizes the lack of content or activity, whereas "idle period" suggests a time when something is not being used, but is still available or ready for use. The nuance lies in the implication of potential use versus complete absence.