has been unoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been unoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a space or position that has not been filled or used for a certain period of time. Example: "The apartment has been unoccupied for several months, and the landlord is eager to find new tenants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

(Roundabout has two other Broadway theaters, one of which, Studio 54, has been unoccupied this season while undergoing renovations).

The New York Times

The advert, posted on Gumtree on Wednesday, says that the flat has been unoccupied since the beginning of November.

Independent

The House of De tention has been unoccupied since the riots, which caused heavy damage to it.

The New York Times

The fact that the building has been unoccupied for a number of years is irrelevant to its future use.

The New York Times

The discount retailer Century 21 will open its first New Jersey store next March in Morristown, in a three-story building on the Morristown Green that has been unoccupied since a Macy's store closed in 1993.

The New York Times

In Great Neck, Thomas F. Fitzsimmons, an architect, said he was converting a two-story, 32,000-square-foot office building that has been unoccupied for 10 years into a religious school and synagogue for the United Meshedi Jewish Community of America.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The house on Lexington Avenue had been unoccupied for three years, said Elvenia Campbell, the owner of a home next door.

The New York Times

They were immediately taken, she said, with its rolling hills, streams, ancient stone walls and old farm buildings that had been unoccupied since 1986, when a previous owner died.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, April 4 , 1959P. 37 A group of colored children in Cape Town enjoyed playing near a cottage that had been unoccupied for some years.

The New Yorker

The home, an 11,000-square-foot incarnation of a medieval fortress, had been unoccupied for some time, and neighbors had filed numerous complaints about vagrants and children entering the structure.

The New York Times

The Institute for Public Policy Research IPPRreleasedsed a report revealing that there are 635,000 empty homes in England, and of those, 216,000 (or just over one-third) have been unoccupied for longer than six months.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a property, use "has been unoccupied" to clearly state that it is currently not being used by anyone. This can be important information for potential buyers or renters.

Common error

Avoid using "has been unoccupied" if you don't know the duration. If the space has been unoccupied only for a very short time, consider using "is currently unoccupied" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been unoccupied" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being. It describes something that was previously occupied but is no longer in use. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it is used to describe properties, buildings, and even abstract spaces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been unoccupied" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a state of vacancy or non-use. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its primary function is to inform, conveying that a previously occupied space or object is currently not in use. While maintaining a neutral register, it suits diverse communication styles, ranging from formal reports to casual conversations. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "has remained vacant" or "has stood empty" to achieve a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has remained vacant

Emphasizes the state of being vacant over a period.

has been vacant

Focuses on the state of vacancy, a direct synonym.

has stood empty

Highlights the lack of contents or occupants.

has lain unused

Draws attention to the lack of use rather than occupancy.

has not been inhabited

Specifically refers to the absence of inhabitants.

has been uninhabited

Similar to 'has not been inhabited', but more formal.

has been deserted

Implies abandonment and a state of being left alone.

has lacked occupants

Highlights the absence of people occupying the space.

has been tenantless

Specifically refers to the absence of tenants in a property.

has not had residents

Focuses on the absence of residents living in a place.

FAQs

What does "has been unoccupied" mean?

It means that a place or thing has not been used or lived in for some time. The duration of time can vary depending on the context.

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

You might say, "The house "has been unoccupied" since the previous owners moved away".

What are some alternatives to saying "has been unoccupied"?

You can use alternatives like "has remained vacant", "has been vacant", or "has stood empty".

Is it correct to say "has been unoccupied"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a state of vacancy or non-use.