is devoid of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is devoid of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means lacking or completely without something. Example: The desert is devoid of any vegetation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet the film is devoid of them.

The New Yorker

The region is devoid of vegetation.

The Guardian

This alternative history is devoid of merit.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Amin is devoid of any principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Minogue's voice, meanwhile, is devoid of emotion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this new music is devoid of calculation.

The New York Times - Arts

You're moving toward a soccer that is devoid of hate.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of all, the Republican platform is devoid of compassion.

The Guardian - Opinion

That he is devoid of charm is indisputable.

The New Yorker

Not that the exhibition is devoid of resonant objects.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is devoid of...no, it's beyond devoid.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is devoid of" to emphasize a complete absence of something, especially when that absence is notable or unexpected. For example, "The presentation was devoid of any visual aids, making it difficult to follow."

Common error

Avoid using "is devoid of" when "lacks" or "is lacking in" would be more appropriate. "Devoid" implies a complete absence, whereas "lacking" suggests a deficiency. For instance, say "The report lacks sufficient detail" instead of "The report is devoid of detail" if some detail is present but insufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is devoid of" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun's state of lacking something entirely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a complete absence, as seen in examples like "The region is devoid of vegetation" and "The economic calendar is devoid of data".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is devoid of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a complete absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific publications, it serves to emphasize the lack of a specific element or characteristic. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a total absence rather than a mere deficiency, and consider alternatives like "lacks" or "is without" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is without

Direct synonym, emphasizing absence.

is absent of

A more emphatic form to highlight the omission.

lacks

Simpler term indicating absence.

contains no

Focuses on the absence of specific contents.

does not have

A more verbose way of saying something lacks something.

is free from

Emphasizes the absence of something undesirable.

is missing

States that something is not present.

is deficient in

Focuses on the insufficiency or lack of a necessary quality or element.

is wanting in

Highlights deficiency in a specific quality.

bears no

Highlights the absence of a quality or attribute.

FAQs

How can I use "is devoid of" in a sentence?

Use "is devoid of" to indicate a complete absence of something. For example, "The room was "devoid of" furniture", meaning there was no furniture in the room.

What can I say instead of "is devoid of"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks", "is without", or "contains no" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is devoid with" instead of "is devoid of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "devoid" is "of". Saying "is devoid with" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "is "devoid of"".

What is the difference between "is devoid of" and "is lacking in"?

"Is "devoid of"" implies a complete absence, while "is lacking in" suggests a deficiency or insufficiency. For example, "The essay is devoid of evidence" means there's no evidence, whereas "The essay is lacking in evidence" means there is some evidence, but not enough.