falls vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

"falls vacant" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a position or role that becomes unoccupied. An example is: "The position of manager falls vacant next month." Alternative expressions include "becomes available" and "opens up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

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

Unless his fortunes change in the year left to him, Mr Monti would be a natural choice for the presidency when it falls vacant in 2013.

The Economist

And in there I came across the phrase 'a casual vacancy.' Meaning, when a seat falls vacant through death or scandal.

The New Yorker

As for Mr Medvedev, the Moscow rumour mill says he may fancy becoming boss of the constitutional court, a job that also falls vacant in 2012.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 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

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 "falls vacant" when describing a formal or official position or role becoming unoccupied due to resignation, retirement, or other circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "falls vacant" to describe everyday situations like a seat becoming available in a crowded room. This phrase is better suited for more formal scenarios such as government positions or leadership roles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falls vacant" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically acting as a predicate in sentences. It describes the action of a position or place becoming unoccupied. Ludwig provides examples across different domains to support this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "falls vacant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verbal phrase that describes the action of a position or office becoming unoccupied. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its usage is generally formal and neutral, frequently found in news media, encyclopedias and official announcements. It's crucial to consider the context when using this phrase, as it is best suited for describing formal roles or positions rather than everyday situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-established and appropriate for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes unoccupied

Focuses on the state of being unoccupied rather than the action of becoming vacant.

becomes available

Emphasizes the availability of the position or place for someone else.

opens up

Implies that an opportunity is now present.

becomes empty

Highlights the physical state of being without contents or occupants.

is vacated

Uses a passive voice to describe the act of vacating.

is relinquished

Suggests a voluntary surrender of a position or right.

becomes free

Indicates the position is now unencumbered and ready to be filled.

is left open

Highlights the act of leaving a position unfilled.

lapses

Implies a termination or expiration of a right or agreement, leading to vacancy.

is deserted

Suggests abandonment, potentially with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "falls vacant" to describe when a position or office becomes unoccupied. For example, "The position of CEO "falls vacant" after the current CEO retires".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "falls vacant"?

Alternatives to "falls vacant" include "becomes available", "becomes unoccupied", or "opens up", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "falls vacant" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "falls vacant" is generally more appropriate for formal or professional settings. In informal conversations, simpler alternatives like "becomes available" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "falls vacant" and "becomes empty"?

"Falls vacant" typically refers to a position or role becoming unoccupied, while "becomes empty" usually refers to a physical space or container becoming devoid of contents. While a room can "become empty", a job "falls vacant".