has been empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been empty' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something previously contained something but now does not. For example: "The vending machine has been empty for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It has been empty about seven years.

The New York Times

It has been empty for 55 years.

The New York Times

It has been empty since then.

The Guardian

The bunker has been empty ever since.

The Guardian

"That place has been empty for a long time".

The New York Times

But it has been empty for most of that time.

The New York Times

"This lot has been empty for 10 years," he said.

The New York Times

It has been empty for four or five years.

The New York Times

"This stadium has been empty for years," he said.

The New York Times

The ambassador's post has been empty for some time.

The New York Times

But it has been empty for the last few years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been empty" to clearly indicate that a space, container, or position was previously occupied or filled but is now vacant. This is useful for describing changes in status or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "has been empty" when simply describing the current state of something without implying a change over time. Use "is empty" when there's no need to emphasize a past state of fullness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been empty" functions as a stative description, indicating a condition or state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for describing something that was previously occupied but is now vacant. This often implies a change or a duration of emptiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been empty" is a versatile phrase used to describe a condition of vacancy or absence that follows a previous state of occupancy. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. It is frequently found in news and media, and it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether you are emphasizing a change in state; if not, "is empty" might be more appropriate. Related phrases such as "has been vacant" and "has been unoccupied" can provide alternative options, and remember to choose the wording to fit the particular situation and the specific shade of meaning. With its frequent appearance across reliable sources, "has been empty" is a solid choice for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been vacant

Replaces 'empty' with 'vacant', suggesting a lack of occupants or contents.

has been unoccupied

Similar to 'vacant', but emphasizes the lack of physical presence or habitation.

has not been occupied

Highlights that a space or thing didn't have occupants, suggesting it hasn't been used or inhabited.

has remained empty

Highlights the continuous state of being empty over a period.

has been deserted

Suggests abandonment and a lack of activity, implying a more negative or forlorn state.

has stood empty

Implies that a place or thing, especially buildings or structures, remain without contents.

has been unused

Focuses on the lack of utilization or application, applicable to resources or spaces.

has been devoid of

Emphasizes the absence of something specific, indicating a lack of content or qualities.

has not been filled

Focuses on the action of filling something, and how that action didn't happen.

has lacked contents

Emphasizes the absence of items or substance typically present.

FAQs

How can I use "has been empty" in a sentence?

Use "has been empty" to describe something that used to be full or occupied but is no longer. For instance, "The store "has been empty" since the company moved out" indicates a change in the store's occupancy.

What phrases are similar to "has been empty"?

Alternatives include "has been vacant", "has been unoccupied", or "has been deserted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

When should I use "is empty" instead of "has been empty"?

Use "is empty" to describe a current state without implying a change over time. "Has been empty" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize that something was previously occupied or full. For example, "The glass is empty" describes the current state, while "The glass "has been empty" since I finished my drink" explains the change.

What does "has been empty" imply about the subject?

The phrase "has been empty" suggests a past state of being occupied or full. It implies a change in condition, indicating that the subject is currently in a different state than it previously was. For example, "The position "has been empty" for a year" suggests that the position was filled previously.