hollow spaces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hollow spaces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe areas that are empty or void of substance, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The cave was filled with hollow spaces that echoed every sound made within."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But hollow spaces, detailed lovingly, shape this album.

The New York Times - Arts

And in their sound as well as their lyrics, his songs create hollow spaces that they can only sometimes fill.

The New York Times - Arts

Installing them was made more challenging by the absence of hollow spaces for ductwork, requiring that trenches be dug into the concrete walls.

The New York Times

Squirrels gnaw or burrow their way into transformers for the same reason they enter rotting cavities of aging trees: hollow spaces offer them den sites and safety from predators.

The New York Times

Structural clay tile, also called terra-cotta, is a larger building unit, containing many hollow spaces (cells), and is used mainly as backup for brick facing or for plastered partitions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sky City would cram 39 more floors into its height than the Burj Khalifa, partly because Sky City would be mostly apartments, which do not need the same hollow spaces under the floors as offices require for wiring and cooling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

A tiny hollow space.

The New Yorker

Abdominal cavity, largest hollow space of the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That wasn't just all hollow space behind there; it was full of components.

The New York Times

The genial family entertainment "We Bought a Zoo" is also built around the hollow space left by a missing parent.

The New Yorker

For his invention, Mr. Ibe used extremely tiny rubber balls to fill the hollow space to hold the external structure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural or structural elements, use "hollow spaces" to accurately depict areas devoid of solid material. It is suitable when discussing design features or potential weaknesses within constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "hollow spaces" when describing emotional or metaphorical voids if a more direct term like "emptiness" or "lack" is more appropriate. Make sure the physical or structural context is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow spaces" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it denoting physical voids or empty areas within structures, objects, or even abstract systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hollow spaces" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, predominantly found in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically refers to physical voids or empty areas within objects or structures, serving descriptive or explanatory purposes. When using "hollow spaces", ensure that the context clearly implies a physical or structural void, avoiding it in purely metaphorical senses where alternatives like "emptiness" or "lack" might be more fitting. While synonyms such as "empty voids" or "cavities" exist, the precise choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. In essence, "hollow spaces" is a reliable and versatile phrase for accurately describing physical voids in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hollow areas

Simple synonym.

empty voids

Focuses on the emptiness and lack of content.

vacant areas

Emphasizes the unoccupied nature of the spaces.

cavities

Highlights the presence of holes or hollows.

void spaces

Similar to "empty voids", but with a slightly more formal tone.

empty chambers

Implies enclosed, hollow spaces.

inner voids

Emphasizes the spaces are internal.

internal cavities

Highlights enclosed spaces within something.

vacant cavities

Focuses on both emptiness and cavity.

air gaps

Highlights spacing filled with air.

FAQs

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

You can use "hollow spaces" to describe physical voids, such as "The design incorporated several "hollow spaces" for ventilation", or to describe the internal structure of an object, like "The bones of birds contain "hollow spaces" to reduce their weight".

What are some synonyms for "hollow spaces"?

Alternatives to "hollow spaces" include "empty voids", "vacant areas", or "cavities". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "hollow spaces" or "empty spaces"?

Both "hollow spaces" and "empty spaces" can be correct, but "hollow spaces" typically implies a defined enclosed area within something, while "empty spaces" can refer to any unoccupied area. It depends on whether the area is enclosed or simply not filled.

Can "hollow spaces" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used in a physical sense, "hollow spaces" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a sense of emptiness or lack, such as referring to ""hollow spaces" in one's understanding" to indicate gaps in knowledge. However, be mindful of potentially more suitable alternatives for metaphorical contexts.