remains empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains empty" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something continues to be or stay empty. Example: Despite numerous attempts to fill it, the large vase on the mantel remains empty, adding a sense of emptiness to the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My résumé remains empty.

The New Yorker

The intersection remains empty.

The New York Times

The page remains empty.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes the spot in the yard remains empty.

The New York Times

Even these days about 30% of the skyscraper remains empty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unless you save a file to it, the folder remains empty.

The New York Times

The Nubian Heritage store space remains empty, its display window broken and patched with plastic.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, Frank H. Ogawa Plaza remains empty most days, but Ms. Quan's mayoralty is teetering.

The New York Times

And yet, Ms. Polynice said, their home remains empty without their relatives still in Haiti.

The New York Times

His remains were returned to his family, and this crypt remains empty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the moment, though, it remains empty, pending the development of the prototype.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains empty" to describe a state of continuing emptiness, especially when emphasizing that the emptiness persists despite expectations or efforts to change it.

Common error

Avoid using "remains empty" when a more specific description of emptiness is possible. For instance, instead of "the glass remains empty", consider "the glass is completely drained" to convey a more vivid image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains empty" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a continuing state of being devoid of contents or occupants. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remains empty" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression that signifies the continuation of a state of emptiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to emphasize the persistence of a void. While alternatives like "stays vacant" or "is still unfilled" exist, "remains empty" effectively conveys the idea that something has not been filled or occupied over time. To use this phrase effectively, ensure that the subject's emptiness is not only current but also has a history. Avoid using it when a more descriptive term can provide a clearer picture. In conclusion, this phrase represents a strong and reliable way to emphasize a continuing state of emptiness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stays vacant

Uses 'vacant' instead of 'empty', implying a state of being unoccupied or unfilled for a period.

is still unfilled

Focuses on the lack of fulfillment or completion, emphasizing that something is not yet filled.

continues to be deserted

Replaces 'empty' with 'deserted', suggesting a lack of occupants or activity, often implying abandonment.

is perpetually void

Emphasizes a constant state of emptiness using 'void', indicating a complete absence of content or substance.

has not been occupied

Focuses on the absence of inhabitants or users, suggesting that a space or position has not been taken.

is still lacking content

Highlights the absence of any material or information, emphasizing the incompleteness of something.

persists in being bare

Uses 'bare' instead of 'empty', suggesting a lack of covering or ornamentation, often implying simplicity or starkness.

never gets populated

Focuses on the lack of inhabitants or users, suggesting that a space is never filled with people.

is consistently bare

Highlights a continual state of being uncovered or empty. The word "consistently" adds additional emphasis of frequency.

endures as hollow

Suggests the presence of empty space within, emphasizing the lack of substance or filling.

FAQs

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

You can use "remains empty" to describe something that continues to be without contents, such as "Despite repeated attempts to find a tenant, the storefront "remains empty"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "remains empty"?

Alternatives include "stays vacant", "is still unfilled", or "continues to be deserted", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "remain empty" instead of "remains empty"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "remain empty" for plural subjects (e.g., "The boxes remain empty"), and "remains empty" for singular subjects (e.g., "The box remains empty").

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

"Is empty" describes a current state of emptiness, while ""remains empty"" emphasizes that the emptiness has persisted over time. For example, "The theater is empty" simply states its current condition, while "The theater "remains empty"" suggests that it has been empty for a while.