fairly empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of something that is not completely empty but has a significant lack of content or substance. Example: "The room felt fairly empty after all the furniture was removed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The beach was fairly empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a fairly empty room, though.

The New Yorker

Because the halls were fairly empty.

The New York Times

So, ultimately Trump's threat is fairly empty.

The Washington Post

The city center was fairly empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was fairly empty down by the pony-ride corral.

The New York Times

Washington last week was jarringly quiet: public places fairly empty, the Humvees in the streets gone.

The New Yorker

Until we know exactly how the brothers got their weapons, this is just fairly empty speculation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They might also see that hot is a pretty empty concept, based mostly on rankings that in themselves are fairly arbitrary.

The New York Times

But you cannot fairly attribute those empty seats to a lack of vision or lackadaisical staff work.

The New York Times - Arts

— Most of the houses on the real estate tour in and around this quaint resort town on Lake Michigan were in fairly good condition, empty and scrubbed clean of the sort of things that might bring to mind the previous owners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical space, consider using "fairly empty" to create a sense of openness or isolation, depending on the context. It's more nuanced than simply saying "empty".

Common error

Don't use "fairly empty" when you mean "completely empty" or "almost full". Choose vocabulary that correctly conveys the intensity of the emptiness. The term "fairly empty" suggests there is some presence, whereas using "nearly full" suggest it’s close to being full

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly empty" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state of emptiness. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different source types, demonstrating its ability to indicate a moderate degree of vacancy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly empty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a moderate degree of emptiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys that something is not entirely full while also not being completely vacant. Its versatility is evident in its prevalence across diverse contexts, with a primary usage in "News & Media" and "Science". While Ludwig confirms its correctness, remember to choose it carefully to reflect accurately on the intended grade of emptiness. Also, avoid using it when other alternatives like "somewhat vacant", "relatively bare", or "largely unoccupied", might be better suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat vacant

Indicates a moderate degree of emptiness, similar to "fairly empty" but with a slightly different nuance.

relatively bare

Focuses on the lack of furnishings or contents, implying a simple or unadorned state.

largely unoccupied

Emphasizes the absence of occupants or inhabitants, applicable to spaces or areas.

moderately sparse

Highlights the thin distribution of elements or objects within a space.

partially unfilled

Describes something not completely filled, leaving room or space available.

noticeably clear

Implies an absence of obstructions or items, making something easily visible.

considerably devoid

Stresses the significant absence of something expected or desired.

appreciably vacant

Highlights the noticeable emptiness or lack of activity in a space.

somewhat deserted

Suggests abandonment or lack of presence, often with a negative connotation.

mostly uninhabited

Focuses on the lack of inhabitants, particularly in a residential context.

FAQs

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

You can use "fairly empty" to describe a space or container that is not completely full. For example: "The beach was "fairly empty" on a weekday morning."

What are some alternatives to "fairly empty"?

Some alternatives to "fairly empty" include "somewhat vacant", "relatively bare", or "largely unoccupied". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "fairly empty"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Fairly" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "empty", indicating a degree of emptiness.

What's the difference between "fairly empty" and "completely empty"?

"Fairly empty" implies that there is some presence, while "completely empty" means there is nothing there at all. For example, "The theater was "fairly empty"" suggests some people were present, whereas "The theater was completely empty" means no one was there.