hollow words

USAGE SUMMARY

'hollow words' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe empty or insincere promises, flattery, or other words which have no substance or meaning. Example sentence: She spoke of her love for me, but the words had a hollow ring to them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Hollow words.

The New Yorker

These are not hollow words.

The Guardian

It's hollow words until it does.

The New York Times - Sports

But these are just hollow words.

The Guardian - Opinion

You subsist on the tactical omissions, the hollow words, the oddly unconnected dots.

The New York Times

"But this is the inevitable consequence of hollow words, red lines crossed, tarnished moral influence".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

That sounds like a hollow word, but, with this group, that is not a given.

The New Yorker

And now, sole register that these things were, Two solitary greetings have I heard, "Good morrow, Citizen!" a hollow word, As if a dead man spake it!

The New Yorker

On Monday South Sudan will mark – "celebrate" now seems a hollow word – the first anniversary of its independence from Sudan following a 98% vote by its people.

The Guardian

President Bush and his apologists could get no further than the hollow word "victory" for what we were supposed to accomplish in Iraq.

The New York Times

There were "flavor-blasted" Goldfish crackers, berry blue blast Go-Gurts, and Gushers fruit snacks were "a fruity blast". Zesty, too, is a hollow word that is often paired with ranch.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hollow words", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of sincerity or substance. Avoid using it when describing factual inaccuracies; instead, reserve it for situations involving insincere sentiments or broken promises.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "hollow words" with simply incorrect or misinformed statements. The phrase specifically implies a deliberate lack of sincerity or a deceptive intent, not just a factual error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow words" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or subject complement. It describes statements that are devoid of sincerity or substance. As Ludwig AI explains, it points to empty or insincere pronouncements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hollow words" is a commonly used phrase to describe insincere or empty statements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and typical usage in contexts like news and media, formal communications, and general discourse. The phrase is grammatically sound and serves to express skepticism or disappointment regarding the lack of sincerity behind someone's words. Be mindful of its critical connotation and use it judiciously to accurately reflect the intended meaning. Remember that while it's often found in journalistic contexts, avoiding it in professional writing, where more direct, less judgmental language may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insincere remarks

Focuses on the lack of genuineness in the spoken words.

empty promises

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of fulfillment of the words spoken.

meaningless words

Highlights the absence of significant content or impact.

vain assurances

Suggests a confident statement that lacks any real grounding or support.

worthless declarations

Underscores the lack of value or importance in the statements.

false pronouncements

Highlights the deceptive nature of the words

idle chatter

Implies a casual and unimportant exchange of words.

superficial expressions

Suggests a lack of depth or genuine emotion in the words.

affected language

Emphasizes the artificial or pretentious quality of the speech.

ostentatious verbiage

Highlights an intention of impress instead of communicating something of substance.

FAQs

What does "hollow words" mean?

"Hollow words" refers to statements or promises that lack sincerity, substance, or genuine feeling. They often suggest a disconnect between what is said and what is truly meant or intended.

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

You can use "hollow words" to describe political speeches, apologies, or expressions of love that seem insincere or empty. For example: "The politician's promises were just "hollow words" designed to win votes."

What are some synonyms for "hollow words"?

Some synonyms for "hollow words" include "insincere remarks", "empty promises", and "meaningless words". These alternatives all suggest a lack of genuine feeling or intent.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hollow words"?

It's appropriate to use "hollow words" when you want to criticize statements or promises that you believe are insincere or lack real commitment. Be mindful of the context and ensure it accurately reflects the speaker's intent or the lack thereof.