kept empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept empty" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a situation where something is intentionally left empty or unoccupied. Here is an example: "The landlord ordered that the apartment be kept empty until the repairs were completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The basin is kept empty and its floor under cultivation, except during the flood season.

Britannica

They kept empty chatter to a minimum and applied themselves to the matters at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

The annex has been kept empty of furnishings, as Mr. Frank found it after the war, Mr. Leopold said.

The New York Times - Arts

A spare chair is kept empty between the two of them for Bishop Artemije, Father Sava's superior.

The New York Times - Magazine

Large areas of the third floor and basement have been kept empty pending a resolution of the building's fate.

The New York Times

It adds that anecdotal reports suggest that a high proportion of the high price properties are kept empty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"At the beginning I kept emptying the room," he recalls.

The Guardian - Music

One needs  to feel That the two empty, huddled, dark  stage-boxes keep Empty for kings.

The New York Times - Books

No such shipment was ever found, but Spies did keep empty bombshells on his desk, in order to impress reporters from the mainstream press.

The New Yorker

So the pied-à-terre she had in mind would be small, quiet, sunny, and a place she could afford to keep empty when she was away.

The New York Times

Until that happens, the state will be required to keep empty prisons staffed for as long as a year before shuttering them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept empty" to describe physical spaces, ensure the reason for it being empty is clear in the context. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "kept empty" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The manager kept the schedule empty", consider "The manager did not schedule anyone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept empty" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating a state of being unoccupied or deliberately left vacant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase often modifies nouns referring to containers, rooms or spaces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept empty" is a versatile phrase used to describe the state of something being intentionally unoccupied or vacant. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's suitable for neutral and informal registers, it's crucial to ensure clarity in its usage and avoid overuse in contexts where active voice constructions are more appropriate. Remember to check Ludwig's examples to improve your English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained vacant

Emphasizes the state of being unoccupied over a period.

left unoccupied

Highlights the action of leaving something without occupants.

maintained vacant

Focuses on the continuous effort to keep something unoccupied.

held vacant

Implies that something is being deliberately kept available but not used.

preserved unused

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original condition without utilizing it.

stored unoccupied

Similar to "kept empty", but can imply longer period of time with the intention to use later.

set aside unused

Highlights the act of designating something for a specific purpose but not using it.

allowed to be vacant

Indicates a lack of intervention to prevent something from being unoccupied.

designated as unoccupied

Highlights a formal declaration that something is not to be used.

cleared and vacated

Emphasizes the removal of occupants or contents from a space.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept empty" to describe a space or container that was intentionally left unoccupied, such as "The extra room was "kept empty" for storage" or "The reservoir was "kept empty" until the rainy season".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "kept empty"?

Alternatives to "kept empty" include "remained vacant", "left unoccupied", or "maintained vacant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "kept empty" or "remained empty"?

Both "kept empty" and "remained empty" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Kept empty" suggests a deliberate action to keep something in an empty state, while "remained empty" simply indicates that something has not been filled or occupied. The city contends that landlords purposely "kept apartments empty", artificially inflating the vacancy rate.

What's the difference between "kept empty" and "deliberately vacated"?

"Kept empty" implies maintaining an empty state, while "deliberately vacated" suggests an intentional action to cause something to become empty. If you're focusing on the ongoing state of emptiness, use "kept empty". If you're emphasizing the act of making it empty, use "deliberately vacated".