house empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "house empty" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a house that is unoccupied or devoid of furniture and belongings. Example: "After the family moved out, the house empty felt eerie and abandoned." Alternative expressions include "vacant house" and "unoccupied house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Don't worry about going out and leaving the house empty.

Independent

She lives alone in a house empty of coffee and filled with lumps of raw meat.

The New Yorker

Ross and some of his friends were escorted away by the R.C.M.P., leaving the house empty.

The New Yorker

"I like them, and I'd much rather have someone in there than the house empty".

The New York Times

She still remembers hiding underground and finding the neighbours' house empty the next day.

The Guardian - Travel

When Parres drove him home to the bleak Meacham Park neighborhood, the lights were often out, the house empty.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The burglar fled from the house empty-handed, the police said, and they appealed to the man to come forward.

The New York Times

Last night, the big Sumerian moon clambered into the house empty-handed and left empty-handed, not thief, not lover, not tortoise, just looking around, shuffling its soft, blind slippers over the floor.

The New York Times

As the house empties out for the Fourth of July weekend, Mrs. Silverman dismisses a friend's concerns for her.

The New York Times

No one ever left their house empty-handed.

Wikipedia

Can I please have my quarter?" Stasia goes out into the yard and comes back into the house, empty-handed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "house empty" to describe a scene in writing, consider the emotional impact of the emptiness. It can evoke feelings of loneliness, abandonment, or anticipation depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "house empty" when you specifically mean the house is devoid of furniture or belongings. While it can imply this, it primarily refers to the absence of occupants. For the former, consider "unfurnished house" or "bare house".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "house empty" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where "house" serves as a noun and "empty" as an adjective modifying it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "house empty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a dwelling that is unoccupied. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, often to provide factual information or set a scene. While "house empty" is generally neutral in register, its contextual implications can evoke feelings of loneliness or abandonment. Alternative phrases like "vacant house" or "unoccupied residence" can be used for more formal writing. Pay attention to the potential emotional impact and ensure the phrase aligns with your intended meaning. The phrase is clear and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant house

Focuses on the unoccupied status of the house.

house lacking occupants

Directly states that there are no occupants.

unoccupied residence

Emphasizes the lack of residents in a more formal tone.

house with no one home

A more conversational and direct way of saying the house is empty.

empty dwelling

Uses a more formal and general term for a place to live.

house left vacant

Implies a previous state of occupancy.

abandoned home

Implies a state of neglect and desertion.

untenanted house

Focuses on the lack of a tenant or renter.

house devoid of inhabitants

A more descriptive and formal way to express the absence of people.

desolate house

Highlights the feeling of emptiness and loneliness.

FAQs

How can I use "house empty" in a sentence?

You can use "house empty" to describe a dwelling that has no occupants, as in, "The "vacant house" stood silently on the hill, its windows like vacant eyes."

What are some alternatives to "house empty"?

Some alternatives include "vacant house", "unoccupied residence", or "abandoned home", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "house empty"?

Yes, "house empty" is grammatically correct, especially when used as a descriptive phrase. However, it's important to ensure that the context allows for this phrasing, as more formal writing may prefer alternatives like "the house is vacant".

What does "house empty" imply?

The phrase "house empty" primarily implies that no one is currently living in or occupying the house. It can also subtly suggest a sense of loneliness or abandonment, depending on the situation.