has been left empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been left empty" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to refer to a space or void that has been created unintentionally or intentionally. For example, "The seat in the waiting room has been left empty since Monday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The area where we are building the development has been left empty for the last 30 years.

Independent

Her squat is in a house that has been left empty for years, has no water or electricity and leaking roofs.

The Guardian

A set of glass shelves in the gallery room, for instance, has been left empty, the better to bring out the details in the pitcher and fruit frescoed behind it.

The New York Times

Magnesia will be located in a part of Crete that has been left empty by an ancient migration and is about ten miles from the sea.

SEP

The future of one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks, which has been left empty for 50 years, will be determined with a public inquiry later this month.

BBC

The task is to report which position of the matrix has been left empty, which essentially reflects the duration of visible persistence of the first subset.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His room had been left empty in that time with the bill picked up by the taxpayer.

The Guardian

Homes that have been left empty by their owners for more than a year will be subject to compulsory lettings.

The Guardian

It was placed in a part of the park that had been left empty for the protesters' meetings, known as general assemblies.

The New York Times

Normally busy with European holidaymakers seeking winter sun, Sharm el-Sheikh appears to have been left empty in a series of photographs of the Egyptian resort.

Independent

Since the clashes began last week, schools have been closed, a vital polio vaccination campaign for children has been abandoned and police posts have been left empty, residents said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been left empty", ensure that the context clearly indicates what has been left empty (e.g., a building, a seat, a position). Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been left empty" without specifying what exactly has been left empty. For example, instead of saying "The situation has been left empty", specify "The negotiation table has been left empty by the departing diplomats".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been left empty" functions as a present perfect passive construction, describing a state resulting from a past action. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been left empty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used present perfect passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It serves to describe a current state of emptiness resulting from a past event. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media, with neutral formality. For clarity, always specify what "has been left empty" to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "has remained vacant" or "has become deserted" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been vacated

Emphasizes the action of emptying a place, shifting focus to the leaving process.

has remained vacant

Focuses on the state of being unoccupied over a period of time, emphasizing duration.

has become unoccupied

Focuses on the current state of not being occupied, implying a previous state of occupancy.

has become deserted

Indicates a process of abandonment, highlighting a previous state of occupancy.

has been made empty

Highlights that an action was performed to make something empty, and emphasizes the intention.

has stood uninhabited

Highlights the lack of residents, focusing on the state of not being lived in.

has been cleared out

Suggests a thorough removal of contents, emphasizing the act of emptying.

has been left unfilled

Focuses on the unfulfilled potential of something that could or should be filled.

has been abandoned

Implies a complete and often permanent desertion, adding a stronger sense of neglect.

has lacked occupants

Highlights the absence of people or things that would normally fill a space.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been left empty" to describe a space, container, or position that is currently unoccupied. For instance, "The old theater "has been left empty" since the fire".

What are some alternatives to "has been left empty"?

Alternatives include "has remained vacant", "has become deserted", or "has been vacated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "had been left empty" instead of "has been left empty"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Has been left empty" implies a state that continues to the present, while "had been left empty" refers to a past state before another event occurred.

What's the difference between "has been left empty" and "was left empty"?

"Has been left empty" indicates a present perfect passive construction, suggesting a continuing state resulting from a past action. "Was left empty" is past simple passive, describing a completed action in the past without necessarily implying a continuing state.