sit empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sit empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a space, container, or position is unoccupied or devoid of contents. Example: "After the last tenant moved out, the apartment will sit empty until a new renter is found."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Myanmar has no sitting parliament, so the building, once completed, may sit empty for a while.

The New York Times

Would that sit empty?

The New Yorker

Most sit empty today.

The New York Times

Gyms often sit empty, day and night.

The New York Times

Many houses and mobile homes sit empty.

The New York Times

The artists' studios and garment shops sit empty, awaiting demolition.

The New York Times

A fifth of the town's homes sit empty.

The New York Times

The former Hebrew school classrooms, after briefly being rented by a private preschool, sit empty.

The New York Times

Major construction projects — like the Olympic stadiums in Athens and Beijing — now sit empty and unused.

The New Yorker

Some sit empty, while others have been converted into tourist accommodations.

The New York Times

There are few lots in the Bronx that sit empty anymore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing buildings or properties, use "sit empty" to convey a sense of abandonment or underutilization. This phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying lost potential or economic decline.

Common error

Avoid using "sit empty" when you mean something is only temporarily vacant. This phrase often suggests a more permanent or problematic state of vacancy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sit empty" is that of a verb phrase acting as a predicate, describing the state or condition of a noun (usually a place or object) being unoccupied. Ludwig provides examples showcasing this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sit empty" is a versatile and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a verb phrase to describe the state of being unoccupied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and carries a connotation of vacancy, underutilization, or even neglect. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for objective reporting. While synonymous alternatives like "remain vacant" or "lie unused" exist, "sit empty" often conveys a more static and potentially negative implication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain vacant

Focuses on the continuing state of being unoccupied.

stay unoccupied

Emphasizes the duration of not being used.

lie unused

Highlights the lack of utilization over time.

stand idle

Implies a state of inactivity and potential for future use.

become deserted

Suggests a prior state of occupation now lacking.

be left vacant

Passive voice emphasizing the act of leaving something unoccupied.

be left unoccupied

Passive voice emphasizing the state of not occupying something.

go unused

Indicates a failure to utilize something available.

fall into disuse

Describes a gradual decline leading to non-usage.

become vacant

Highlights the transition to an unoccupied state.

FAQs

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

You can use "sit empty" to describe a state where a space, container, or position is unoccupied. For example, "After the company moved to a new location, the old office building continued to "sit empty" for years."

What's the difference between "sit empty" and "remain vacant"?

"Sit empty" often implies a more static or even neglected state, whereas "remain vacant" /s/remain+vacant might suggest a temporary condition before re-occupancy.

Are there synonyms for "sit empty" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "lie unused", "stand idle", or "become deserted", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "sit empty" in formal writing?

Yes, "sit empty" is grammatically correct and acceptable in both formal and informal writing, though it's often used in news and journalistic contexts.