left empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left empty" is correct and can be used in written English.
You may use it to refer to something that is not filled or occupied by something else. For example, "The house sat vacant, its rooms left empty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A final chapter, left empty.

The Guardian

A fourth property was left empty.

The Guardian

"I don't want homes being left empty.

The Guardian

Some spaces are better left empty.

The Guardian

Note that the transformfile parameter is left empty.

Harvard University

ago, has been deliberately left empty ever since.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

She left empty-handed.

The New York Times

Downton Abbey left empty-handed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her daughter left empty-handed.

The New York Times

They left empty-handed.

The Washington Post

So I left empty-handed.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left empty" to describe a state where something was expected to be filled or occupied but is not. This construction emphasizes the absence of something expected.

Common error

Avoid using "left empty" to describe something that cannot be refilled or re-occupied. For instance, it's unusual to say "the opportunity was left empty" because opportunities are generally seized or missed, not filled in the same way a container is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left empty" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating a state where something is unfilled or unoccupied. Ludwig examples show it describing physical spaces like rooms, containers, or experimental cavities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

48%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left empty" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is unfilled or unoccupied. Ludwig's analysis reveals its versatility across various contexts, from scientific experiments to news reports. While "left empty" is generally neutral in tone, careful attention should be paid to the context to ensure appropriate usage. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is important to use this phrase to describe physical and metaphorical elements. Common alternatives include "remained vacant" or "was left unoccupied", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was left vacant

More formal and emphasizes the condition of being unoccupied.

remained unoccupied

Similar to "remained vacant", but specifically denotes a lack of inhabitants.

remained vacant

Emphasizes the state of being unoccupied over a period of time.

was not occupied

Formal and direct, focusing on the lack of occupation.

was not filled

Directly states the absence of contents; more literal.

stayed unfilled

Highlights the persistence of not being filled.

was left bare

Suggests a removal of previous contents, resulting in emptiness.

ended up empty

Implies a process leading to a state of emptiness.

stayed deserted

Similar to vacant but often implies abandonment and isolation.

was found wanting

More idiomatic; suggests a lack of essential content or qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "left empty" to describe a physical space or container that wasn't filled, such as, "The glass was "left empty" after the party" or, metaphorically, to describe an abstract concept, like, "Her promises were "left empty"".

What is a more formal alternative to "left empty"?

A more formal alternative to "left empty" would be "remained vacant" or "was left unoccupied". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "left empty-handed" instead of "left empty"?

The phrase "left empty-handed" has a different meaning than "left empty". "Left empty-handed" means to depart without obtaining what was sought, whereas "left empty" describes something that is unfilled.

What is the difference between "left empty" and "abandoned"?

"Abandoned" implies a deliberate act of leaving something behind, whereas ""left empty"" simply describes the state of being unfilled or unoccupied, without necessarily implying intent or agency.