fall vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall vacant" is correct and is used in written English.
It is usually used to describe when something that has been previously filled is no longer occupied. For example, "When the professor retired, his position in the department fell vacant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The position of Governor of the Bank of England will fall vacant when Sir Mervyn King retires in June 2013.

The Guardian

Candidates among the ruling Democrats (DPJ) have already begun jockeying for the party leadership, which will also fall vacant when Mr Kan quits.

Independent

Although unemployed, they are not really competing for the jobs that fall vacant and are thus not putting much downward pressure on wages.

The Economist

Funded this by forcing local authorities to sell off their most expensive homes (when they fall vacant) to raise £4.5 billion a year is also far-fetched.

Independent

The first top TV job to fall vacant is likely to be at ITV, with Crozier departing at the end of June.

The Guardian

The website Axios reported this week Trump is planning for a third supreme court pick, should the seat filled by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 86, fall vacant.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

When the Dublin librarianship fell vacant, he took the job.

The New Yorker

Then, at exactly the right moment, a small West End theatre fell vacant.

The Economist

Each time a lot in the city centre falls vacant, archaeologists must race against developers.

The Economist

He will nevertheless be odds-on favourite when the laureateship falls vacant in five years' time.

The Times

If Mary land's governorship falls vacant a successor Is chosen by the combined Senate and House.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall vacant" to describe positions, offices, or properties that become unoccupied due to resignation, retirement, or other circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "fill vacant". The correct expression is to "fill a vacancy" or to state that a position "falls vacant" when it becomes unoccupied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall vacant" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a change in state, specifically the transition of a position or place from occupied to unoccupied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fall vacant" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a position or property becoming unoccupied. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and science-related content. While versatile, it's important to avoid the common error of saying "fill vacant," and instead use the correct phrasing of "fill a vacancy." Consider using alternatives like "become available" or "become unoccupied" depending on the context. This phrase serves to inform and announce the availability of a position or place, maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be left vacant

Highlights the resulting state of being vacant.

become unoccupied

Highlights the state of being no longer occupied.

be vacated

Passive voice emphasizing the act of vacating.

become available

Focuses on the availability aspect of the position or place.

become free

Highlights the freedom and availability of the position.

become open

Emphasizes the openness and accessibility of the position.

become available for occupancy

Emphasizes the possibility of someone occupying the vacant position.

become empty

Stresses the emptiness or lack of occupancy.

open up

Indicates the creation of an opportunity or vacancy.

become relinquished

Implies a formal giving up of the position.

FAQs

How can I use "fall vacant" in a sentence?

The phrase "fall vacant" is used to indicate that a position, office, or property has become unoccupied. For example, "The position of CEO will "become available" when the current CEO retires".

What does "fall vacant" mean?

The phrase "fall vacant" means to become unoccupied or available, usually referring to a job, office, or seat.

What can I say instead of "fall vacant"?

Alternatives include "become available", "become unoccupied", or "become open", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fill vacant"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrasing is to "fill a vacancy" or to say that a position "falls vacant".