hollow statements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hollow statements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe remarks or declarations that lack substance or sincerity. Example: "The politician's speech was filled with hollow statements that failed to address the real issues facing the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Hollow statements by Israel's enemies are presented without comment.

The New York Times

"The shifting of deadlines, hollow statements and false promises has to end.

BBC

It's all about policy, we write, and not hollow statements.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The recent hollow statement by the Vatican on clerical sex abuse in Ireland is not surprising considering the litany of mismanagement by the Irish Catholic Church regarding the welfare of Irish children.

The New York Times

I thought, 'Jesus, I bet your dad told you to say that.' What a hollow statement.

Vice

Either you spend four years being strait-jacketed into hollow on-brief statements written by your mandarins, or you put up with the pre-emptive laughter of the people who think you're a loose canon, a fringe grown sentient, Basil Brexit, Herr Bean, everything you built this caricature for, in order to seduce a headlines-only popular press has now been turned against you, and it's inescapable.

Vice

Facebook's legendarily fast and loose approach to user privacy has long been something of a cliché, which is why deleting one's account is now something of a hollow techno-political statement – the Internet equivalent to moving off the grid to a cabin in the mountains.

The New York Times

And yet, somehow, no matter how long and committed her earnest public service, she was less trusted than Trump, a flim-flam man who cheated his customers, investors, and contractors; a hollow man whose countless statements and behavior reflect a human being of dismal qualities — greedy, mendacious, and bigoted.

The New Yorker

Hollow pledges and public statements by senior government officials, particularly by Hillary Clinton, should no longer satisfy us.

Huffington Post

Some statements rang hollow, like those from politicians and religious leaders known for trafficking in antigay hate in exchange for votes or donations.

Huffington Post

Indeed, all of their speeches and public statements ring hollow as they continue to wallow in self-denial and defy reality to the detriment of their peoples.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hollow statements" when you want to critique declarations that sound good but lack real commitment or substance. The phrase implies a sense of deception or insincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "hollow statements" when you simply mean that the statements are unclear or lack specific details. "Hollow statements" implies a lack of genuine intent, while vague statements may just need further clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow statements" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "hollow" modifies the noun "statements". It describes statements that lack substance, sincerity, or genuine commitment. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hollow statements" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI, typically employed to critique declarations that lack substance or genuine intent. While examples are relatively rare, its use is primarily concentrated in news and media contexts, where assessing the authenticity of claims is crucial. Related phrases include "empty pronouncements" and "insincere declarations". When using this phrase, ensure that you intend to convey a sense of deception or insincerity rather than mere vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty pronouncements

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

insincere declarations

Highlights the lack of genuineness behind the statement.

meaningless assertions

Emphasizes the lack of significance or impact of the statement.

worthless remarks

Stresses the lack of value or importance of the statements.

empty rhetoric

Suggests that the statements are more for show than for conveying genuine meaning.

vapid utterances

Implies that the statements are shallow and uninteresting.

futile declarations

Highlights the ineffectiveness and lack of purpose behind the statement.

hollow promises

Specifically refers to promises that are unlikely to be kept or fulfilled.

empty words

A more general term indicating a lack of sincerity or substance.

superficial remarks

Focuses on the lack of depth or thoroughness in the statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "hollow statements" to describe declarations that lack substance or sincerity. For example, "The politician's speech was full of "hollow statements" designed to appease voters but lacking any real plan of action."

What's the difference between "hollow statements" and "false statements"?

"Hollow statements" may not be factually incorrect but lack genuine intent or commitment. "False statements", on the other hand, are untrue or misleading. "Hollow statements" are more about insincerity, while "false statements" are about accuracy.

What are some alternatives to "hollow statements"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "empty pronouncements", "insincere declarations", or "meaningless assertions".

Is "hollow statements" a formal or informal phrase?

"Hollow statements" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in news reports and analytical articles where the aim is to critique or assess the authenticity of claims.