empty seat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty seat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a seat that doesn't have anyone sitting in it. For example, "As I looked around the bus, I noticed an empty seat near the back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's an empty seat?

The New York Times - Sports

What's with the empty seat bro?

Independent

Barack Obama is no empty seat.

The New York Times

The empty seat at the dinner table.

The New York Times

Come sit in my mother's empty seat.

The New Yorker

My father's brother filled the empty seat.

The New York Times

An empty seat on the bench.

The New York Times - Sports

Up ahead, he spotted an empty seat.

The New Yorker

"An empty seat is not generating any income".

The New York Times

By 5 45, there wasn't an empty seat.

The New York Times - Food

No one sat in the empty seat beside me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing; while "empty seat" is generally neutral, in some contexts, like memorial events, it can carry a strong emotional weight.

Common error

Avoid using "empty seat" when a more specific term is needed, such as "vacancy" for an unfilled job position or "absence" for a missing person. The literal interpretation can sometimes cause confusion if not carefully contextualized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty seat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is grammatically correct and common, appearing in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "empty seat" is a versatile phrase that is both grammatically sound and widely used. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly functions as a noun phrase to denote an unoccupied space or a vacant position. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. However, it's important to consider the emotional implications, especially in sensitive situations like memorial services. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning and tone. While alternatives like "vacant chair" or "available spot" exist, "empty seat" remains a clear and effective way to describe the absence of someone or something in a specific location.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant chair

Replaces "seat" with "chair", providing a more specific term for seating.

free seat

A more concise way of saying the seat is not taken.

vacant position

A more formal way of indicating a seat that is not currently occupied.

spare seat

Indicates an extra seat is available.

unoccupied place

Uses broader terms, focusing on the lack of occupancy rather than the seating arrangement.

clear spot

Similar to available spot but with a slightly different connotation.

available spot

Indicates that a place is free for someone to take, differing slightly in formality.

unfilled position

Focuses on the fact that the seat or role is not occupied.

unused position

More formal and abstract, referring to a position that is not being utilized.

open space

Emphasizes the spatial aspect of the emptiness, suitable in contexts where space is the primary concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty seat" to describe a physical seat that is not occupied, as in, "I noticed an "empty seat" at the back of the bus". It can also refer to a vacant position, such as "The special election is to fill the "empty seat" on the city council".

What are some alternatives to "empty seat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "vacant chair", "available spot", or "free seat". For a more formal tone, consider "unoccupied place".

Is it correct to say "an empty seat" or "a empty seat"?

It is correct to say "an "empty seat"" because "empty" begins with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before vowel sounds, while "a" is used before consonant sounds.

What does "empty seat" symbolize in a memorial service?

In a memorial service, an "empty seat" often symbolizes the absence of the deceased, representing the void left by their passing and serving as a poignant reminder of their presence that is now missing.