sense a void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense a void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of emptiness or lack in a particular situation or context. Example: "After the project ended, I couldn't help but sense a void in my daily routine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Raised in Miami by a grandfather who refused to provide many details of her history, Menéndez's unnamed narrator becomes increasingly obsessed by her family's past: "As a girl I had already begun to sense a void behind me, and as I grew older I became more and more preoccupied with the blank space where my mother should have been".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But now, Douglas was beginning to sense a larger void — and a commercial opportunity — that needed to be filled.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the idea of a high roller in a money-driven society suddenly sensing a scary void beyond the getting and spending acquires a new relevance in 2008.

The New York Times

Initially, athletes can feel a deep sense of loss or a void in their lives.

The New York Times - Health

The loss of her wisdom and sense of fun leaves a void in our hearts.

The New York Times

Sensing he could fill a void, he founded Pet Chauffeur, a taxi service for animals, in 1996.

The New York Times

THERE is a sense of void among us.

The New York Times - Arts

If we don't face it and act in spite of it, we become powerless in so many areas of our lives and feel a sense of void and pessimism instead of fulfillment and hope.

Huffington Post

Her "can-do" spirit and bracing sense of humor will leave a void in the coming holiday season.

The New York Times

There were the usual trappings of solipsistic authority — the armaments and ornaments — but above all there was a void, a sense that his mania had left room in the country for nothing else.

The New Yorker

China no doubt senses an opportunity to fill a void left by the retreat of U.S. and European influence in the Arab world, and it likely feels a new sense of confidence from its successful economic engagement over the past decade in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense a void" to describe a feeling of lack or emptiness that you become aware of, often in an emotional or abstract context. It's suitable when the absence isn't necessarily tangible but is felt nonetheless.

Common error

Avoid using "sense a void" when a more direct description of a physical absence would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "I sensed a void in the shelf", it's better to say "There was a gap in the shelf".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense a void" functions as a verb phrase followed by an article and a noun. It describes the act of perceiving or becoming aware of an emptiness or lack. Ludwig indicates this expression is appropriate in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense a void" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the perception of an emptiness or lack, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in various reputable sources, primarily within news and media. It carries a neutral tone, suitable for expressing emotional or abstract recognitions of absence. When writing, aim to use it when describing intangible feelings of loss rather than tangible deficiencies, and remember alternatives like "feel an emptiness" or "perceive a lack" exist to provide nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel an emptiness

Replaces "sense" with "feel", emphasizing the emotional experience of the void.

perceive a lack

Substitutes "sense" with "perceive" and "void" with "lack", focusing on intellectual recognition of something missing.

detect an absence

Uses "detect" instead of "sense" and "absence" for "void", highlighting the discovery of something not being present.

recognize an emptiness

Emphasizes the acknowledgment of a feeling of emptiness.

become aware of a vacuum

Replaces "void" with "vacuum", suggesting a space needing to be filled.

note a deficiency

Highlights the recognition of something being insufficient.

observe a gap

Focuses on visually or mentally noticing a space or interval.

experience a feeling of emptiness

Expands the phrase to emphasize the emotional experience of emptiness.

be conscious of a want

Highlights awareness of a need or desire for something.

identify a dearth

Substitutes "void" with "dearth", indicating a scarcity or lack of something.

FAQs

How can I use "sense a void" in a sentence?

You can use "sense a void" to describe a feeling of emptiness or lack. For example, "After the project ended, I began to "sense a void" in my daily routine."

What's a more formal way to say "sense a void"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "perceive a lack" or "detect an absence". These options convey a similar meaning with slightly more elevated language.

Is it correct to say "feel a void" instead of "sense a void"?

Yes, "feel a void" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. It emphasizes the emotional aspect of the experience.

What does it mean to "fill a void"?

To "fill a void" means to provide something that satisfies a need or desire, or that compensates for something that is missing. It's the opposite action to "sense a void".