it was emptied

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was emptied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a container or space that had something in it, but is now empty. For example, "The bucket had been filled with water, but by the end of the day it was emptied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But the state is proceeding with its plans to sell or lease the jail, which was operating at less than half its capacity when it was emptied.

The New York Times

It was emptied, loaded with timber and dispatched again for Asia.

Independent

It was emptied of patients early Wednesday after the nurses fled and water to the city was cut off.

The New York Times

The fishing boat rose slowly in the water as it was emptied, though the upper deck kept filling as the cramped human cargo below deck crept out of the narrow, square hatches.

The Guardian

Eddie G's has fast-moving, informed, sometimes overwhelmed waitresses and a bus girl who was hell-bent on removing every plate and glass the instant it was emptied, even if other diners at the table were still eating.

The New York Times

"They'd gained access to the office and taken my data, so out of the number of filing cabinets there was one drawer emptied and it was emptied of my data.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was empty," she said.

The New York Times

It was empty, I realized.

The New Yorker

It was empty — of students.

The New York Times

It was empty," she says.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was emptied", ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify if 'it' refers to a container, a room, or a database.

Common error

Avoid using "it was emptied" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The glass was emptied by John", write "John emptied the glass."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was emptied" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject 'it' has undergone the action of being emptied. As supported by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was emptied" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the action of something being emptied of its contents. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for diverse applications. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the subject is well-defined. While acceptable, consider active voice alternatives for more direct communication. Remember "it was empty" describes the state of being without contents and "it was cleared out" as an alternative emphasizes that the action removed the contents completely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was cleared out

Focuses on the action of removing contents completely.

it was completely unloaded

Highlights the removal of cargo or contents from a vessel or container.

it was entirely evacuated

Emphasizes the removal of people or contents for safety or necessity.

it was fully discharged

Suggests a formal or systematic removal of contents.

it was thoroughly depleted

Indicates a reduction to complete emptiness through usage or consumption.

it was left bare

Highlights the resulting state of emptiness and lack of contents.

it was rendered vacant

Implies that something was made empty and available for other use.

it was made void

Focuses on negating the presence of anything within the space.

its contents were removed

Highlights the action performed on the content of the object.

nothing remained inside

Emphasizes the absence of anything within the space after being emptied.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was emptied" to describe something that had contents which have been removed. For example, "The truck "it was emptied" of its cargo at the warehouse".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was emptied"?

Alternatives include "it was cleared out", "it was unloaded", or "it was evacuated", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was emptied" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was emptied" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate that the subject "it" underwent the action of being emptied.

What's the difference between "it was emptied" and "it was empty"?

"It was emptied" describes the action of making something empty, while "it was empty" describes the state of being without contents. For example, “The bottle it was emptied last night” versus “The bottle it was empty this morning.”