only empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only empty" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being devoid of content or substance, often in a specific context where emptiness is emphasized. Example: "The box was only empty, with no signs of what it once contained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Until this year, I.A.E.A. inspectors saw only empty concrete caverns.

The New Yorker

It seemed Jamiroquai would be remembered as only empty calories.

The New York Times - Arts

Visit on a weekday or you will see only empty conveyor belts and frozen machinery.

The New York Times

Last month, the Memphis City Council ordered the nameplates removed, leaving only empty frames.

The New York Times

And the only empty buildings here are either condemned or in the financial district".

The New York Times

Many times I trekked to a designated address and found only empty sidewalk.

The New York Times

I climbed up into the only empty bed I could see.

Independent

Only empty silence, and time to reflect on what might have been.

The New Yorker

You don't see working factories, only empty ones being torn down for scrap.

The Guardian

And now we're going to try and rent that lot because that's our only empty lot in the whole park".

The New York Times

There was a kitchen downstairs, where one now finds only empty bunks and a Catchmaster rat trap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only empty" to emphasize a surprising or disappointing lack of content. For instance, "The vault was thought to contain treasure, but it was only empty."

Common error

Avoid using "only empty" when a simple description of emptiness suffices. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Consider using "empty" alone when emphasis isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only empty" functions as an adjective phrase emphasizing the state of being devoid of content or substance. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and is widely used to highlight the absence of something expected or desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only empty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily employed to emphasize the lack of content, often conveying a sense of disappointment or unexpected absence. This phrase is found across various writing contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general content, and serves to highlight the emptiness being described. When looking for alternative phrases, options such as "completely vacant" or "entirely devoid" can be useful depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely vacant

Emphasizes the total absence of occupants or contents.

entirely devoid

Highlights the complete lack of something expected or desired.

merely hollow

Focuses on the lack of substance or depth.

just unfilled

Stresses that something is simply not filled or occupied.

purely blank

Indicates a state of being unmarked or unused.

solely bare

Emphasizes the lack of any additions or coverings.

nothing but empty

Highlights the exclusivity of the emptiness.

exclusively vacant

Focuses on the unique state of being empty and nothing else.

simply unoccupied

Indicates a state of not being inhabited or utilized.

utterly deserted

Highlights complete abandonment and emptiness.

FAQs

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

Use "only empty" to emphasize the unexpected or disappointing lack of content. For example, "After searching for hours, they found the chest was "completely vacant"." Use the phrase to describe physical spaces or abstract concepts.

What are some alternatives to "only empty"?

You can use alternatives like "completely vacant", "entirely devoid", or "merely hollow" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only empty"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The adverb "only" modifies the adjective "empty" to emphasize the state of being empty and nothing else. It's a common construction in English.

What is the difference between "empty" and "only empty"?

"Empty" simply describes a lack of content. "Only empty" adds emphasis, suggesting a surprise or disappointment that something is just empty and nothing more. The latter conveys a stronger sense of lack than the former.