on an empty stomach

USAGE SUMMARY

"on an empty stomach" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something happens when someone is not full, usually with food. For example: "He jogged five miles on an empty stomach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes I had to train on an empty stomach.

The Guardian - Sport

An army doesn't march on an empty stomach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Come on an empty stomach.

The New York Times - Travel

6. Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach.

Harvard University

Are there any benefits to exercising on an empty stomach?

Harvard University

It had been like drinking on an empty stomach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But effective learning is difficult on an empty stomach.

The Guardian

"But you cannot resist occupation on an empty stomach".

The New York Times

The sun, having risen on an empty stomach, The heart.

The New Yorker

Think twice about opening this book on an empty stomach.

The New York Times - Food

Whatever you do, don't see "Foodacts" on an empty stomach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone about medication, specify whether it should be taken "on an empty stomach" or with food to ensure proper absorption and minimize potential side effects.

Common error

Avoid using "on an empty stomach" when you actually mean specific dietary restrictions. For instance, instead of saying 'People with diabetes should exercise "on an empty stomach"', clarify the specific dietary guidelines they should follow before exercising.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on an empty stomach" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the circumstances under which an action occurs. It specifies that an action is performed when the stomach contains no food. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on an empty stomach" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe actions taken when one hasn't eaten. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It frequently appears in contexts related to health, medication, and diet, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When advising someone about medication or exercise, specifying whether it should be done "on an empty stomach" is important for clarity and safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before eating

A simple and direct way of saying the same thing.

with an empty belly

Uses "belly" as a synonym for "stomach".

on a hungry stomach

Highlights the feeling of hunger associated with an empty stomach.

without having eaten

Emphasizes the action of not having consumed food.

without eating anything

Focuses on the act of not eating rather than the state of the stomach.

before having a meal

Emphasizes the timing relative to a meal.

without any food in one's system

A more formal and scientific way to express the absence of food.

before breakfast

Specific to the morning and the first meal of the day.

without sustenance

Focuses on the lack of nourishment.

fasting

Implies a deliberate abstention from food for a period.

FAQs

When is it advisable to take medication "on an empty stomach"?

Some medications are better absorbed when taken "on an empty stomach", typically one hour before or two hours after eating. Always follow your doctor's instructions or the label directions.

What are the potential benefits of exercising "on an empty stomach"?

Some studies suggest that exercising "on an empty stomach" may help the body burn more fat. However, it's essential to consider individual tolerance and energy levels.

What can I say instead of "on an empty stomach"?

You can use alternatives like "before eating", "without eating anything", or "fasting" depending on the context.

What are the risks of drinking alcohol "on an empty stomach"?

Drinking alcohol "on an empty stomach" can lead to faster absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, resulting in quicker intoxication and potential stomach irritation.