nearly empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly empty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe something that is almost empty or close to being empty, such as a room or a box. For example, "The box was nearly empty, with just a few items scattered inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It rolled, nearly empty.

The New Yorker

The train was nearly empty.

The New Yorker

The seats were nearly empty.

The New Yorker

The bar was nearly empty.

The New Yorker

The terminal was nearly empty.

The New Yorker

The museum was nearly empty.

The New Yorker

"Your damn keg's nearly empty!

The New Yorker

Airports were nearly empty.

The New York Times

Inside, it's serene and nearly empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 2000, the map is nearly empty.

The New York Times

But the pot is now nearly empty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nearly empty", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of emptiness. For example, "nearly empty" suggests a higher degree of emptiness than "partially full".

Common error

Avoid using "nearly empty" when something is completely empty. "Nearly empty" implies there's still a small amount remaining, so use "empty" instead when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly empty" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing the state of a noun. It indicates that the noun is close to being completely empty, but not entirely so. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearly empty" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is almost, but not quite, completely devoid of contents or occupants. As shown by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While interchangeable with phrases like "almost empty", understanding the subtle differences in connotation, like those highlighted in our related phrases, can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Avoid using "nearly empty" as an absolute state; remember it indicates a remaining small amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost vacant

Emphasizes the lack of occupants, particularly in a space.

virtually unoccupied

Highlights the absence of occupants to a significant degree, often implying an expected presence.

close to bare

Focuses on the lack of content or items, emphasizing the simplicity of the space.

practically deserted

Implies an abandonment or lack of activity, often due to undesirable circumstances.

largely unfilled

Highlights the significant portion that remains without content, suitable for containers or spaces.

scarcely populated

Specifically refers to a low number of inhabitants in an area or space.

almost depleted

Emphasizes the reduction of a resource or supply to a minimal level.

barely anything inside

Directly expresses the minimal presence of items within a container or space.

nearly exhausted

Highlights the advanced stage of resource consumption, close to complete depletion.

substantially empty

Indicates that the major part is empty, but something is still left.

FAQs

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

You can use "nearly empty" to describe something that is mostly but not completely devoid of contents or occupants. For example, "The theater was "nearly empty" on a Tuesday night", or "The bottle is "nearly empty", we should buy more".

What can I say instead of "nearly empty"?

Alternatives to "nearly empty" include "almost vacant", "virtually unoccupied", or "close to bare", depending on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "almost empty" instead of "nearly empty"?

Yes, "almost empty" and "nearly empty" are largely interchangeable. Both phrases mean that something is close to being completely empty. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.

What is the difference between "partially full" and "nearly empty"?

"Partially full" indicates that something contains a noticeable amount, whereas "nearly empty" suggests that it contains very little. They describe the same state from opposite perspectives, and the best choice depends on what you want to emphasize.