empty statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark or declaration that lacks substance or meaningful content. Example: "His apology felt like an empty statement, as he showed no real remorse for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But this was yet another empty statement.

The New Yorker

"For now, it's still mostly an empty statement".

The New York Times

He would take some resonant, empty statement and destroy it by simple inversion.

The Guardian

But this, too, may be an empty statement: after all, the new government has an economic crisis on its hands.

The New York Times

"On one hand it a sign of progress, but on the other it an empty statement if it is not accompanied by specific, concrete steps".

The New York Times

This is no empty statement; the nonprofit institute has been at the forefront of scientific research on speech, language and literacy for decades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Continuing to issue empty statements of empty promises, thinking that will pacify us, will no longer work".

The New Yorker

Without necessary guideposts, the Lima Paris Action Agenda could be overrun with empty statements and over-promises.

The Guardian

Passion is best shown through sincerity, and a vac scheme application full of empty statements and declarations of "a love of the firm" can be seen through easily.

The Guardian

Maxwell has an ear for empty statements, syntactic stumbles and conversational filler, the expressive contentlessness of so much that we say.

The New York Times - Books

9) Be specific about the department When explaining why you want to join the department, look out for well-intentioned but empty statements which could apply to pretty much any higher education institution in the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "empty statement", ensure the context clearly indicates why the statement lacks substance. Provide evidence or examples to support your assertion.

Common error

Avoid labeling a statement as "empty" simply because you disagree with it. A statement may be wrong or misguided without necessarily being devoid of substance. Always offer a reasoned explanation for your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty statement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in critiquing the substance of declarations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty statement" is a commonly used expression to denote a declaration lacking substance, sincerity, or commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When employing the phrase, it's important to justify its usage by providing evidence or explanation, as overusing it without proper grounding is a common pitfall. Semantically related alternatives include "hollow declaration" and "meaningless assertion", offering nuanced ways to express the sentiment. Overall, "empty statement" serves as a critical tool for evaluating the authenticity and impact of pronouncements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty rhetoric

Focuses on the use of impressive-sounding but ultimately meaningless language.

hollow declaration

Emphasizes the lack of genuine feeling or intent behind the words.

meaningless assertion

Highlights the absence of any real significance or impact.

insincere remark

Focuses on the lack of honesty and genuineness in the statement.

worthless promise

Suggests the statement is a commitment that will not be fulfilled.

pointless comment

Indicates the statement serves no useful purpose or adds no value.

shallow utterance

Implies a lack of depth or profound thought in the statement.

vacuous pronouncement

Highlights the emptiness and lack of intelligence in the statement.

idle words

Suggests the statement is spoken without serious intent or consideration.

vain expression

Implies the statement is made out of pride or a desire for attention, rather than genuine concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty statement" to describe a declaration that lacks sincerity, meaning, or substance. For example: "His apology felt like an "empty statement", as he showed no real remorse."

What are some alternatives to "empty statement"?

Alternatives to "empty statement" include "hollow declaration", "meaningless assertion", or "insincere remark", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "empty statement" and "false statement"?

Yes, an "empty statement" lacks substance or meaning, while a "false statement" is factually incorrect. An "empty statement" may not necessarily be untrue, but it doesn't convey any significant information or genuine sentiment. Consider using "misleading statement" as an alternative.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "empty statement"?

It's appropriate to use "empty statement" when you want to criticize a remark or declaration for being superficial, insincere, or lacking in genuine commitment. It is especially useful when someone makes an announcement that is not followed by actions.