falling vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

"falling vacant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a position or role that is becoming available because the current holder is leaving or will soon leave. Example: "The position of CEO will be falling vacant next month when the current CEO retires." In this sentence, "falling vacant" indicates that the CEO position will soon be unoccupied and available for someone else to fill.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A controversial motion proposes that any of its seats falling vacant at the next election should select a woman candidate.

The Guardian

If a by-election is not called promptly upon a parliamentary seat falling vacant, the electors in the GRC in question will be represented to a lesser extent.

Wikipedia

In some Member States (Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and the UK), seats falling vacant are allocated to the first unelected candidates on the same list (possibly after adjustment to reflect the votes obtained by the candidates).

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

The chair of natural philosophy (later called physics) at the University of Glasgow fell vacant in 1846.

Britannica

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

The Guardian

When a professorship in classical philology fell vacant in 1869 in Basel, Switzerland, Ritschl recommended Nietzsche with unparalleled praise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falling vacant" when describing a position or property that is transitioning from occupied to unoccupied, particularly when the transition is anticipated or in progress.

Common error

Avoid using "falling vacant" in extremely casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "becoming available" or "opening up" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling vacant" functions as a descriptive verbal phrase, typically modifying a noun (e.g., position, seat, role) to indicate that it is in the process of becoming unoccupied. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "falling vacant" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is transitioning from an occupied to an unoccupied state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While considered relatively rare, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. When using the phrase, remember that while grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations, therefore opting for simpler alternatives is always the recommended best practice. Remember that alternatives like "becoming available" or "opening up" might be more appropriate in certain scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming vacant

Replaces "falling" with a more static verb, implying a gradual process of vacancy.

becoming available

Shifts the focus from the vacancy to the potential for occupancy or use.

becoming unoccupied

Emphasizes the state of being empty or uninhabited.

about to be vacant

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate an imminent vacancy.

soon to be vacant

Similar to "about to be vacant" but with a slightly different emphasis on timing.

nearing vacancy

Suggests a gradual approach to a state of being vacant.

opening up

Implies a broader sense of opportunity or availability.

becoming free

Focuses on the lack of constraints or encumbrances.

resulting in a vacancy

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship leading to a vacancy.

coming open

Indicates a position or opportunity is becoming accessible.

FAQs

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

You can use "falling vacant" to describe a position, property, or role that is in the process of becoming unoccupied. For example: "The position of senior analyst is "becoming vacant" next month."

What are some alternatives to "falling vacant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "becoming available", "becoming unoccupied", or "opening up".

Is "falling vacant" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "falling vacant" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing positions, properties, or roles in a professional or official context. It is often used in news articles, formal reports, and business communications.

When should I avoid using the phrase "falling vacant"?

You should avoid using "falling vacant" in very informal settings, as it might sound overly formal. Simpler phrases like "becoming available" or "opening up" may be more suitable in casual conversation.