sits empty

USAGE SUMMARY

"sits empty" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is physically empty or unoccupied. For example: The old lecture hall sits empty, a stark reminder of the days before the pandemic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The examination room sits empty now, with an old-fashioned stethoscope sitting on a desk.

The New York Times - Magazine

The stadium sits empty.

The New York Times - Sports

Today its hot tub sits empty.

The New York Times - Arts

That doesn't mean the apartment sits empty.

The New York Times

The amphitheater that accommodated nearly 25,000 people sits empty.

The New York Times

Half built and with construction halted, the place sits empty.

Independent

Now, the trailer sits empty on North Lamar.

The Washington Post

Now it sits empty, with abandoned properties all around.

The Guardian

Across town, the lush field in Milam Park sits empty.

The New York Times

(The fridge, meanwhile, sits empty in the kitchen).

The New York Times

A chair sits empty at the table, reserved for him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sits empty" to vividly describe a scene or object that lacks occupants or contents. This can effectively convey a sense of abandonment, neglect, or anticipation.

Common error

While "sits empty" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider more formal alternatives like "remains vacant" or "is unoccupied" /s/remains+vacant in official reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sits empty" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, modifying a noun by indicating its state of being unoccupied. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sits empty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used descriptive phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the writing context and choose synonyms like "remains vacant" or "stands unoccupied" when necessary. Avoiding overuse, especially in formal writing, will ensure clarity and impact. Furthermore, "sits empty" serves to vividly describe scenes and objects lacking occupants or contents, evoking specific emotions. The large number of examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its broad applicability and descriptive power, making it a valuable tool in a writer's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unoccupied

A more formal way of saying "sits empty".

remains vacant

Focuses on the continuing state of being unoccupied.

is left vacant

Highlights the action of leaving something empty.

lies unused

Emphasizes the lack of utilization, implying potential functionality.

stands unoccupied

Highlights the physical presence but lack of inhabitants or activity.

remains unfilled

Focuses on the fact that something has not been filled or occupied.

is deserted

Suggests abandonment and a lack of activity, often with negative connotations.

is uninhabited

Specifically refers to the absence of residents.

is devoid of life

Emphasizes the absence of any living beings.

is left untouched

Implies that something has not been used or altered.

FAQs

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

You can use "sits empty" to describe a physical space or object that is unoccupied. For instance, "The classroom sits empty after the bell rings", or "The chair sits empty, waiting for its occupant".

What are some alternatives to "sits empty"?

Alternatives include "remains vacant", "lies unused", or "stands unoccupied", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different connotation.

Is "sits empty" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sits empty" is grammatically correct. "Sits" is the verb, and "empty" is an adjective describing the state of the subject.

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

"Sits empty" implies a more active or visual sense of emptiness, as if the subject is intentionally or passively remaining unoccupied. "Is empty" is a more general statement of emptiness.