it is devoid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is devoid of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is completely lacking or without a particular quality, feature, or element. Example: "The report is devoid of any substantial evidence to support the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seligman argues that many people would pursue accomplishment for its own sake, even when it is devoid of positive emotions or meaning.

HuffPost

These images suggest that it is devoid of any characteristics in its own right (except those formal characteristics necessary to its role, such as malleability).

SEP

No wonder it is devoid of visitors.

The Economist

It is devoid of vampires, witches and feverishly gothic prose.

The New York Times

It is devoid of miracles and has no background music.

The Guardian

It is devoid of portraits, self-portraits and interiors.

The New York Times - Arts

It is devoid of people and buildings, except for three abandoned churches and a mosque.

The New York Times

It is devoid of direction, policy or purpose, poisoned by Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is devoid of all life and is a stony waste.

The New York Times

"It is devoid of all the visual and aural bombardments that you often have in films".

The New York Times

The conclusion that it is devoid of value because of the circumstances giving rise to its creation is indefensible.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is devoid of" to emphasize a complete absence, creating a stronger effect than simply saying something "lacks" a certain quality. For instance, stating "the argument is devoid of evidence" is more forceful than saying "the argument lacks evidence".

Common error

Avoid using "it is devoid of" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is quite formal and can sound stilted or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it lacks" or "it has no".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is devoid of" functions as a predicative expression, typically followed by a noun phrase. It is used to assert that a subject completely lacks a particular quality, feature, or element, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is devoid of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the complete absence of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a preference for formal and precise language. While effective for highlighting deficiencies or unique characteristics, be mindful of its formality and consider simpler alternatives like "it lacks" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lacks

This is a more concise and direct way of saying something is missing.

it is without

This is a more formal and literary way to express absence.

it contains no

Focuses on the absence of specific contents or elements.

it is free from

Emphasizes the absence of something undesirable.

it is missing

Simple and direct way to state something is not present.

it has no

Indicates the absence of possession or inclusion.

it does not include

Specifically refers to the lack of inclusion.

it excludes

Highlights the act of leaving something out.

it is absent of

A less common, but still valid, way to express absence.

it's deficient in

Indicates a lack or shortage of something essential.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it is devoid of" is used to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example, "The presentation "it is devoid of" any supporting data" indicates that there is absolutely no data to back up the claims.

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

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

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

No, the correct preposition to use with "devoid" is "of". Saying "it is devoid with" is grammatically incorrect. You should always use "it is devoid of".

What's the difference between "it is devoid of" and "it lacks"?

While both phrases indicate an absence, "it is devoid of" suggests a complete absence, whereas "it lacks" might imply a partial absence or deficiency. "The report is devoid of any useful information" suggests it's completely useless, while "The report lacks detail" suggests it could be improved with more detail.