leaving a void

USAGE SUMMARY

"leaving a void" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an absence or lack of something that was previously present or needed. For example: "The sudden death of her husband left a void in her life that was never filled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Her mother died when she was 11, leaving a void.

The Guardian - Film

The central cell later disintegrated leaving a void, mimicking the lumen.

Microvascular Research

Mary Joe Fernandez retired in 2000, leaving a void that players like Puig are trying to fill.

The New York Times - Sports

The city's ruler, Lorenzo de Medici, died in 1492, leaving a void his weak son Piero could scarcely fill.

The Guardian - Books

Late night television hosts took the week off as well, leaving a void in the national dialogue -- and monologue.

The New York Times - Arts

31 min: Hutton loses possession way up the pitch, leaving a void at the back that Bremen try to exploit.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

His death does leave a void".

The New York Times - Sports

Echenique's departure has left a void.

The New York Times - Sports

"It could leave a void," she said.

The New York Times

It also leaves a void atop the field.

The New York Times - Sports

But her slow-motion departure leaves a void.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving a void", consider the emotional or practical implications of the absence. Be specific about what is missing and its impact.

Common error

While "leaving a void" is appropriate for expressing a sense of loss, avoid using it in contexts where a more straightforward description of absence would be more effective. Overuse can dilute the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving a void" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a predicate, describing the result of an action or event. It signifies the creation of an absence, gap, or emptiness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaving a void" effectively conveys the sense of absence or lack created by a departure or loss. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its prevalence in news and media indicates its suitability for formal writing, though care should be taken to avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts. Related phrases such as "creating a vacuum" or "leaving a gap" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific implication. Understanding its function and purpose will enhance your ability to use "leaving a void" effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving a vacuum

Similar to 'creating a vacuum' but emphasizes the resulting emptiness.

leaving a gap

Suggests a space that needs to be filled, often in a more literal or practical sense.

creating a vacuum

Implies a lack of something which attracts other things to fill it, often used in a more literal or scientific sense.

creating an absence

Highlights the state of being without something, emphasizing the lack itself.

leaving an unfilled space

More descriptive, highlighting the physical or metaphorical space that remains empty.

leaving a deficiency

Focuses on the inadequacy or shortage created by the absence.

resulting in a dearth

Indicates a scarcity or lack of something, often something essential.

creating a deficiency

Similar to 'leaving a deficiency' but emphasizes the action of creating the lack.

leaving a shortage

Emphasizes the insufficient amount or supply that results.

leaving an unfulfilled need

Focuses on the requirement that is not being met due to the absence.

FAQs

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

You can use "leaving a void" to describe the absence of something significant, such as "The company's departure is "leaving a void" in the local economy", or "Her death is "leaving a void" in the community".

What are some alternatives to "leaving a void"?

Some alternatives include "creating a vacuum", "leaving a gap", or "leaving an absence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "leaving a void" in formal writing?

Yes, "leaving a void" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing the impact of a loss or absence. However, ensure that the tone remains professional and avoids excessive sentimentality.

What's the difference between "leaving a void" and "leaving a vacuum"?

"Leaving a void" generally refers to an emotional or figurative absence, while "leaving a vacuum" often implies a literal or functional gap that needs to be filled. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but ""leaving a void"" is typically broader in application.