empty phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "empty phrase" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a phrase that has no real meaning or adds no significant information to a sentence. Here is an example of its usage: "The politician's speech was filled with empty phrases and lacked concrete solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

For me it is an empty phrase..

The New Yorker

"Moral hazard" is not an empty phrase.

The New York Times

For me it is an empty phrase...

The New Yorker

Without them "western civilisation" would be an empty phrase.

The Guardian - Books

'The third way is such an empty phrase......

The Guardian

Suspicious of the empty phrase, ruthless and spare and quite beautiful.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Travellers checked Good business; nice beaches ReprintsYet there is more to CSR than empty phrases and exotic conferences.

The Economist

But it won't do for the fat cats to fall back on empty phrases like "buyer beware".

The New York Times

But he deflected questions about the scope and the effect of an attack, with empty phrases like "the United States military doesn't do pinpricks".

The New Yorker

The floods return, bringing with them the increasingly familiar pictures of distress: the debris of scoured-out houses, and the empty phrases of a hollow politician.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether Republican or Democrat, Tea Party or establishment, winner or loser, most of the candidates gave a "speech" that was more of a talky pastiche of empty phrases and tough-guy lines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "empty phrase" to critique language that seems superficially appealing but lacks genuine substance or meaning. It's effective when you want to emphasize a disconnect between words and reality.

Common error

While "empty phrase" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal academic or scientific writing. Instead, opt for more precise language that specifies the exact nature of the deficiency in the language being critiqued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty phrase" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, to describe a statement or expression that lacks substance, meaning, or sincerity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empty phrase" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe language lacking substance or genuine meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, and science, to critically analyze statements perceived as superficial or insincere. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and audience, opting for more precise language in formal academic settings if necessary. Alternatives such as "meaningless expression" or "hollow statement" can provide nuanced emphasis on the specific deficiency. Avoid overuse to maintain the impact of your critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningless expression

Focuses on the lack of meaning conveyed by the phrase.

hollow statement

Emphasizes the lack of sincerity or depth in the statement.

vacuous remark

Highlights the intellectual emptiness of the remark.

insubstantial language

Focuses on the lack of solid content in the language used.

pointless verbiage

Emphasizes the unnecessary and aimless nature of the words.

devoid of content

Highlights the complete lack of any meaningful substance.

shallow rhetoric

Emphasizes the superficial and insincere nature of the language.

mere platitude

Highlights the trite and unoriginal nature of the phrase.

banal expression

Focuses on the ordinariness and lack of originality in the expression.

insignificant utterance

Highlights the lack of importance or impact of the statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty phrase" to describe language that lacks substance or meaning, such as, "The politician's speech was full of "empty phrases" and offered no concrete solutions".

What are some alternatives to "empty phrase"?

Alternatives include "meaningless expression", "hollow statement", or "vacuous remark", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the lack of substance.

Is "empty phrase" a formal or informal expression?

"Empty phrase" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal writing, more specific terms might be preferred to describe the deficiency in language.

What's the difference between "empty phrase" and "cliché"?

While both describe undesirable language, "cliché" refers to an overused expression, whereas "empty phrase" refers to a phrase lacking substance or genuine meaning, regardless of its frequency of use.