has stood vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has stood vacant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a property or space that has been unoccupied for a period of time. Example: "The old factory has stood vacant for years, attracting graffiti artists and urban explorers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The house has stood vacant, but it has seen plenty of use.

The New York Times

The 13-acre lot has stood vacant since 2006, when the Rossiya Hotel, a landmark of Soviet Moscow, was demolished.

The New York Times - Arts

Completed in 1964, the building has stood vacant since the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs left the premises two years ago.

The New York Times - Arts

The other project will be the reuse of the 90,000-square-foot, five-story former Tepper's department store on West Front Street at the corner of Somerset Street, which has stood vacant since 1976.

The New York Times

At the same time, garbage was piling up in prodigious heaps along practically the length of 94th Avenue, where a factory that Mr. Kallicharran can see from his front steps has stood vacant for several years because the city's budget problems delayed construction of a high school at the site.

The New York Times

The restaurant, which has stood vacant and silent for the last four years, is reopening this summer under the same name, with a new owner.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A new Egyptian ambassador, Muhammad Assem Ibrahim, arrived in Israel in March after the post had stood vacant for four years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By Adeline Rumsey The New Yorker, April 20 , 1940P. 54 The house next door had stood vacant for five years.

The New Yorker

Gottlieb tenants say that once vacated, empty apartments in their buildings are not being filled, while many storefronts have stood vacant for months.

The New York Times

The new rental building has actually incorporated a massive old warehouse of discolored brick that had stood vacant for three decades -- except for an occasional squatter.

The New York Times

Alternatively, 450 to 680 beds could be moved to the medical center, housed mostly in three floors that have stood vacant since the tower's construction some three decades ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has stood vacant" to emphasize a long-term state of being unoccupied, particularly when referring to buildings or positions that were previously in use. For example, "The factory has stood vacant since the economic downturn" conveys a sense of prolonged inactivity.

Common error

Avoid using "has stood vacant" to describe situations where something is only temporarily empty. The phrase implies a more extended and potentially permanent state of non-occupancy. For short-term situations, use phrases like "is currently empty" or "is temporarily unoccupied".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has stood vacant" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to characterize the state of a place or position that has been unoccupied for a notable duration. As indicated by Ludwig, it correctly conveys this meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has stood vacant" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe something that has been unoccupied for a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the meaning of prolonged non-occupancy. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with occasional appearances in encyclopedias and wikis. While versatile, it is important to distinguish it from situations of temporary absence and to use it when emphasizing a more extended state. Alternatives like "has been vacant" or "has remained empty" offer similar meanings, providing flexibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been vacant

A more direct and common synonym for "has stood vacant".

has been vacant for

Adds a time frame to the state of vacancy.

has been unoccupied

Replaces "stood vacant" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the state of not being occupied.

has not been occupied

Formal and explicit statement of non-occupation.

has remained empty

Uses "remained" to indicate a continued state of emptiness, similar to "stood vacant".

has been unfilled

Focuses on the lack of fulfillment or occupation of a position or space.

has been uninhabited

Specifically refers to dwellings not being lived in.

has lain dormant

Implies a state of inactivity or potential readiness, differing slightly from simple vacancy.

has been unused

Highlights the lack of utilization rather than just physical presence.

has been derelict

Suggests neglect and disrepair in addition to vacancy, adding a negative connotation.

FAQs

What does "has stood vacant" mean?

The phrase "has stood vacant" describes something, usually a building or position, that has been unoccupied for an extended period of time.

What can I say instead of "has stood vacant"?

You can use alternatives like "has been vacant", "has remained empty", or "has been unoccupied" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had stood vacant" instead of "has stood vacant"?

Yes, "had stood vacant" is grammatically correct but implies a past perfect tense. Use "had stood vacant" when describing a situation that was vacant before another point in the past. "Has stood vacant" refers to a situation continuing to the present.

How do I use "has stood vacant" in a sentence?

Use "has stood vacant" to describe a property or role that has been unoccupied for some time. For example, "The old theater "has stood vacant" since the fire."