empty run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is done without achieving any results or where there is no meaningful outcome. Example: "The project felt like an empty run, as we didn't make any progress despite our efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now there is enough space to keep an empty run between most of the occupied ones.

The New York Times

Here on this wide, empty run to Riverhead, though, the three lanes of asphalt are generally blessedly clear, and the trees to the left and right of the road are thick beyond the trim-cut government grass.

The New York Times

Left two columns are the empty run and PBS reaction, both as negative control; The third and fourth left columns are the products from pure HEK-293T and MCF-7 cells, without the chip processing, both as positive control.

Nano-Micro Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He buys small, partially empty, run-down properties and vacant land in up-and-coming neighborhoods.

The New Yorker

"We had a lot of guys running on empty, running on fumes, and it was hard.

The New York Times - Sports

Andy Bliss, from ACPO, said: "Many people don't realise that the empty, run-down house or flat on their street with people coming and going late at night may actually be a commercial cannabis farm.

BBC

However, improvement in logistics had no effect on empty running kilometers and empty running operations.

European Transport Research Review

Empty running, expressed in terms of kilometers or operations, is the distance or operations the vehicle travelled empty.

European Transport Research Review

This is also the key determinant (Fig. 5) for returning a pick-up with decreasing empty running mileages, which then has environmental benefits through reducing CO2 emissions.

European Transport Research Review

Table 2 presents absolute values of previous DIs together with data on vehicle loading (loaded operations and total operations), empty running (operations and kilometers), and vehicle time utilization.

European Transport Research Review

There are KPIs that measure utilization, production and effectiveness directly, such us empty running operations and kilometers, vehicle loading, and vehicle time utilization.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty run" to describe a situation where resources are expended without achieving a desired outcome or result. It can effectively convey a sense of wasted effort or potential.

Common error

Don't confuse "empty run" with a simple lack of activity. The phrase implies that some action was taken, but it yielded no meaningful result, unlike situations where nothing happens at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty run" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a process, journey, or activity that yields no results or is devoid of meaningful content. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty run" is a grammatically sound and usable term, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe unproductive or fruitless endeavors. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct expression. Although its frequency is rare, its usage spans across News & Media and Science domains, pointing to a versatile application. When using the phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys a sense of wasted effort. Alternatives like "fruitless attempt", "futile endeavor", or "pointless exercise" can be considered based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fruitless attempt

This phrase emphasizes the lack of positive outcome or result from an effort.

futile endeavor

Similar to 'fruitless attempt', it stresses the hopelessness and ineffectiveness of the undertaking.

pointless exercise

This suggests that the activity has no purpose or value.

abortive effort

Implies an attempt that failed to come to completion or produce the intended result.

unproductive task

Focuses on the lack of output or results from the work done.

vain pursuit

Highlights the ultimate ineffectiveness and emptiness of chasing after something.

hollow victory

Refers to a win that lacks substance or genuine satisfaction.

idle speculation

Points out that the theorizing or guessing is not based on any facts.

sterile process

Emphasizes a lack of creativity and progress.

empty gesture

Stresses that the movement or action had no real meaning or result.

FAQs

How can "empty run" be used in a sentence?

You can use "empty run" to describe situations where effort is expended without achieving the desired outcome. For example, "The project felt like an empty run, as we didn't make any progress despite our efforts."

What are some alternatives to "empty run"?

Alternatives include "fruitless attempt", "futile endeavor", or "pointless exercise" depending on the specific context.

Is "empty run" formal or informal?

"Empty run" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in technical or business discussions to describe unproductive processes.

What does "empty run" mean in the context of logistics?

In logistics, "empty run" refers to the transportation of goods or materials without a full load, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.