getting empty

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting empty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is losing whatever was previously full. Example: The cereal box is getting empty; I'll need to buy some more soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And besides, when the tank is getting empty I think you drive a little faster".

The Guardian - Books

And besides," he smiles, "when the tank is getting empty I think you drive a little faster".

The Guardian - Books

Also, we are getting empty nesters with the ranch homes -- people who want to stay in the area and enjoy a wide range of amenities".

The New York Times

"We are making the most of every inch of brownfield land to assist regeneration, and getting empty and under-used buildings back into productive use – by bringing in more flexible permitted development rights.

The Guardian

"That pipeline is getting empty quick, so we really need to move now to get that pipeline replenished," said Representative Kevin Brady, Republican of Texas, adding that he expected a "bigger, more long-term recovery package" once the needs of Texas and other places become clear.

The New York Times

If either the remaining bit budget is large or the buffer is getting empty, the quantization step size is reduced (i.e., fine quantization).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

'The house is getting emptier and emptier,' Jo says sadly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

WHILE the south-east of England agonises about congestion, Scotland's wide open spaces look like getting emptier still.

The Economist

In effect, it would be like living in the middle of a black hole that kept getting emptier and colder.

The New York Times - Science

Hilton: Don't let the TV cameras see the hall is only half-full... Conference: And getting emptier.

The Guardian

– Supermarkets in NYC are getting emptied out, says Huffington Post.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting empty" to describe a state of gradual depletion, especially when referring to tangible items like containers or spaces. For example, "The gas tank is getting empty", suggesting an imminent need for refilling.

Common error

Avoid using "getting empty" when you need to describe a sudden or complete void. "The room was suddenly empty" is more appropriate than "The room was getting empty" if the change happened instantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting empty" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a process of gradual reduction or depletion. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something losing whatever was previously full. It highlights a change in state over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting empty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verbal phrase to describe a state of gradual depletion or reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While not extremely frequent, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. Alternatives like "running low" or "becoming vacant" can be employed depending on the context's specific emphasis. Remember to use "getting empty" when depicting a process rather than a sudden change, and avoid it in situations requiring formal or precise language. Its neutral tone and broad applicability make it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming vacant

Replaces "getting" with "becoming" and "empty" with "vacant", focusing on unoccupied spaces.

shrinking

Highlights a decrease in size or volume.

running low

Indicates that the quantity of something is decreasing and needs attention.

dwindling down

Implies a gradual reduction, suitable for describing resources or supplies.

diminishing

Implies a gradual decrease in quality, importance, or quantity.

drawing down

Similar to "dwindling down" but applicable to specific funds or reserves.

thinning out

Focuses on reducing density or number, often used for populations or foliage.

being depleted

Suggests a complete or near-complete exhaustion of something.

petering out

Suggests a gradual fading or coming to an end.

evaporating

Emphasizes a disappearance, often used metaphorically to describe intangible things.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting empty" to describe a gradual decrease in the contents of something, for example: "The fridge is "getting empty", we need to go grocery shopping".

What's a good alternative to "getting empty"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "running low", "being depleted", or "becoming vacant" instead of "getting empty".

Is it correct to say "the glass is getting empty"?

Yes, "the glass is getting empty" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that the contents of the glass are gradually decreasing.

What is the difference between "getting empty" and "being emptied"?

"Getting empty" describes a process happening gradually, while "being emptied" suggests an action being performed on something to make it empty. For example, "The bottle is "getting empty"" versus "The bottle is "being emptied" by someone".