leave a void

USAGE SUMMARY

"leave a void" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of emptiness or something missing. For example, "John's departure left a void in the office that no one could fill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

His death does leave a void".

The New York Times - Sports

"It could leave a void," she said.

The New York Times

Her passing will leave a void in all our lives.

The New York Times

Her passing will leave a void that can never be filled.

The New York Times

Greatly missed, she will leave a void that will never be filled.

The New York Times

FELDMAN--Jill, your untimely passing will leave a void in us forever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Echenique's departure has left a void.

The New York Times - Sports

It also leaves a void atop the field.

The New York Times - Sports

But her slow-motion departure leaves a void.

The Washington Post

She said their disappearance left a void in commuters' lives.

The New York Times

Sale of Ethiopian-owned buildings leaves a void in D.C.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave a void" to convey a significant absence, especially when referring to the impact of a person's departure or the loss of something valuable. For example, "Her contributions to the team will leave a void that will be difficult to fill."

Common error

Avoid using "leave a void" in very casual conversations; it's often too formal. Simpler phrases like "will be missed" or "it won't be the same" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave a void" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, where "leave" is the verb and "a void" is the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates its use to describe the act of creating an emptiness or absence, whether literal or figurative, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leave a void" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sense of loss or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the impact of a departure or the loss of something significant. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to formal and business contexts as well. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to avoid overuse in overly casual settings where simpler expressions might suffice. Remember that you can use alternative phrases like "create a vacuum", or "leave a gap".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave an absence

Directly states the leaving behind of an absence, highlighting the missing presence.

create a vacuum

Emphasizes the creation of an empty space or absence of something, similar to a physical vacuum.

bring about an emptiness

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the void, suggesting a feeling of emptiness or hollowness.

leave a gap

Focuses on the idea of an unfilled space or interval, often in a more tangible or literal sense.

leave a vacuum

Highlights the absence of leadership, authority, or control after someone's departure.

result in a loss

Highlights the negative impact of the departure or event, focusing on what is lost.

create a deficiency

Stresses the creation of a lack or shortage of something that is needed or desired.

generate a shortfall

Concentrates on the production of a deficit, often in financial or resource-related contexts.

cause a lacuna

Uses a more formal term to indicate a gap or missing part, often in academic or literary contexts.

engender a gap

Indicates the creation of a split or difference, which can be more abstract than a simple absence.

FAQs

How can I use "leave a void" in a sentence?

The phrase "leave a void" is used to express a feeling of loss or absence when someone or something departs. For example, "The closure of the community center will "leave a void" in the neighborhood".

What's a less formal alternative to "leave a void"?

If you're looking for a less formal way to express a similar sentiment, consider using phrases like "will be missed", "won't be the same without", or "will create a gap".

Which is correct, "leave a void" or "leave a whole"?

"Leave a void" is the idiomatic expression. While "leave a hole" can be used, it often refers to something more literal. "Leave a void" typically conveys an emotional or abstract sense of something missing.

What does it mean when someone says something will "leave a void"?

It means that the absence of that person or thing will be deeply felt and create a significant sense of loss or emptiness. This can apply to people, opportunities, resources, or traditions.