it was devoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was devoid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that lacks a particular quality, characteristic, or element. Example: "The landscape was beautiful, but it was devoid of any signs of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The sea is a deep blue, so clear that you might think it was devoid of life.

Columbia University

It was devoid of mathematical interest, save for a single concept: the bell curve.

The New Yorker

Well executed with the knowing flourishes, it was devoid of spontaneity.

The New York Times - Arts

It was devoid of soil, too, which isn't much help when you want to plant trees and grow plants.

The Guardian

It was devoid of furniture except for a few storage shelves stacked with electronics and robot parts.

The New Yorker

Although the constitution remained formally in force after the fascists seized power in 1922, it was devoid of substantial value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

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's devoid of much plot and deceivingly simple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was devoid" to clearly and concisely express the absence of a particular quality or element. For instance, "The argument, while passionate, it was devoid of logic."

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "it was devoid" in informal writing can make your text sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it lacked" or "it didn't have" to maintain a natural tone in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was devoid" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating the absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts. It serves to specify what a subject lacks, contributing to a clearer understanding of its characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was devoid" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the absence of something. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in news media, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives like "it was lacking" in informal writing to avoid sounding overly formal. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "it was devoid" into your writing to convey precise and meaningful descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was lacking

This alternative directly states that something was missing or not present.

it was without

This option emphasizes the absence of something as a defining characteristic.

it was empty of

Focuses on the state of being empty or lacking contents.

it was absent of

Indicates something was not present or available.

it had no

A more direct and simple way of expressing the absence of something.

it did not have

Slightly more emphatic than "it had no", stressing the lack of possession.

it failed to include

Highlights the omission or exclusion of something specific.

it contained no

Focuses on the contents or composition, emphasizing the absence of a particular element.

it was clean of

Emphasizes the complete absence or removal of something, often implying a cleaning or purging process.

it was bare of

Suggests a state of being stripped or emptied of something, often with a sense of starkness or simplicity.

FAQs

How can I use "it was devoid" in a sentence?

Use "it was devoid" to describe something lacking a specific quality or element. For example, "The room, though large, "it was devoid" of any personal touches."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was lacking", "it was without", or "it was empty of" depending on the context.

Is "it was devoid of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was devoid of" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "it was devoid of" and "it lacked"?

"It was devoid of" suggests a complete absence, while "it lacked" implies a deficiency but not necessarily a total absence. For example, "The performance "it was devoid" of emotion" suggests no emotion was present, whereas "The performance it lacked energy" suggests some energy was present, but not enough.