hollow phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hollow phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or expression that lacks substance or meaning. Example: "The politician's speech was filled with hollow phrases that failed to address the real issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Buy Now" is a hollow phrase.

The New Yorker

It is a cliche, yet sometimes an unlikely combination of war and a witness illustrates the hallowed truth that lurks behind a hollow phrase.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It became a catalogue of hollow phrases, of nothingness, of unanswered questions.

EU Parlament

The floods return, bringing with them the increasingly familiar pictures of distress: the debris of scoured-out houses, and the empty phrases of a hollow politician.

The Guardian - Opinion

The notes that broke toward screams or sobs; the hollow, witchy phrases that suddenly filled out; the hammering preacher's syncopations.

The New York Times - Arts

No playbook or manifesto or even philosophy, only hollow catch phrases telling us to just "lean in" and a rewarding career awaits or "opt out" with the implication that choosing to stay at home is a bold feminist reclamation of motherhood, but nothing of the heart-wrenching trade-offs or how to achieve a balanced life in modern motherhood.

Huffington Post

All three Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion are, in T. S. Eliot's phrase, hollow men.

The New Yorker

He warned against across-the-board cuts to the defense budget and against creating a "hollow army," a phrase often used to describe the demoralized United States military after the Vietnam War.

The New York Times

In the 1950's, the Modern recognized the artistic importance of car design -- its curator Arthur Drexler coined the phrase "hollow rolling sculpture" to describe automobiles -- and the museum has staged eight shows devoted to the topic.

The New York Times - Travel

Aglianico has been termed the Barolo of the South, a seemingly admiring phrase made hollow by a patronizing note.

The New York Times - Food

Just as the music begins to drift into the naïve, Bartok identifies himself with turns of phrase and hollow harmonies that could only be his.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "hollow phrase", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the phrase insincere or lacking in substance. Provide examples or explanations to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using the "hollow phrase" as a general criticism without specifying why the phrase is considered empty or meaningless. Always provide context or supporting evidence to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow phrase" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "hollow" describes the quality of the noun "phrase", indicating that it lacks substance or sincerity. Ludwig's examples show it used to critique statements in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hollow phrase" describes an expression lacking substance or sincerity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While examples are not abundant, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media. Related terms include "empty words" and "meaningless expression". When employing the phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify what exactly is "hollow" about it. Avoid using it vaguely. Using the "hollow phrase" denotes criticism or skepticism regarding the authenticity of a statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty words

Highlights the lack of sincerity and the lack of substance of the utterance.

empty rhetoric

Focuses on the emptiness and lack of substance in the communication.

meaningless expression

Highlights the lack of significance or purpose in the statement.

insincere remark

Emphasizes the lack of genuine feeling or honesty behind the words.

shallow statement

Indicates a lack of depth or understanding in the utterance.

worthless saying

Highlights the lack of value or importance in the expression.

pointless comment

Focuses on the lack of purpose or relevance in the remark.

vain declaration

Suggests a sense of arrogance or futility in the pronouncement.

specious argument

Implies that the reasoning is deceptively attractive but ultimately flawed.

devoid of content

Emphasizes that something lacks ideas or meaning.

FAQs

What does "hollow phrase" mean?

A "hollow phrase" refers to a statement or expression that lacks substance, sincerity, or genuine meaning. It may sound impressive but ultimately carries little weight.

How can I use "hollow phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "hollow phrase" to describe political rhetoric, promises, or apologies that seem insincere or lack real commitment. For example: "The politician's speech was filled with "hollow phrases" that failed to address the real issues."

What are some alternatives to "hollow phrase"?

Alternatives to "hollow phrase" include "empty words", "meaningless expression", or "insincere remark" depending on the context.

Is "hollow phrase" a common expression?

While "hollow phrase" is not extremely common, it is readily understood and appropriate in various formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.