sits vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sits vacant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position, seat, or space that is unoccupied or not filled. Example: "The office has been empty for months and now it sits vacant, waiting for a new tenant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Today, much of the land sits vacant.

The New York Times

Today the house, like thousands of foreclosed properties in Chicago, sits vacant.

The New York Times

Today it sits vacant, slowly disintegrating as the jungle reclaims it.

The Guardian

At street level, an information kiosk sits vacant, its glass windows shattered.

The New York Times

So while the track sits vacant, the athletes practice on the nearby grass and in the carpeted halls of the school.

The New York Times

Today, the house there sits vacant, and Ms. Washington and her children are in New York, trying to go on after two bitter, challenging years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Properties that were sitting alongside 101 that sat vacant, for the most part unusable, have been purchased, sold and flipped and purchased many different times," said Stanton. .

Los Angeles Times

Now many shops sit vacant.

The Economist

"The Model Apartment" once again sat vacant.

The New York Times

Once-coveted riverfront homes sit vacant.

The New York Times

It closed in 1994, and sat vacant for years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "sits vacant" with descriptive details to create a stronger image for the reader; for instance, "The old house sits vacant, its windows like empty eyes staring out at the street".

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid using "sits vacant" excessively in formal or business writing where more direct language like "is unoccupied" or "remains available" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sits vacant" primarily functions as a descriptive verb phrase, depicting the state of something being unoccupied. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The verb "sits" implies a state of rest or inactivity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sits vacant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used descriptive verb phrase that indicates a state of being unoccupied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of emptiness, potential, or neglect, primarily in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "remains unoccupied" or "is currently empty" may be suitable for more formal writing, "sits vacant" provides a vivid and evocative way to describe an unused space or object. Remember to consider the register and context when using this phrase to ensure its appropriateness and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unoccupied

Focuses on the continuation of being unoccupied over time.

is currently empty

Highlights the present state of being empty.

stays unoccupied

Similar to "remains unoccupied" but with a slightly different emphasis.

lies deserted

Emphasizes abandonment and lack of activity.

is left vacant

Highlights the action of leaving something unoccupied.

stands unused

Highlights the lack of utilization of a space or object.

becomes empty

Focuses on the process of becoming vacant.

is uninhabited

Specifically refers to a place not being lived in.

lies idle

Emphasizes the lack of activity or purpose.

is left unused

Highlights the lack of use after something has been left.

FAQs

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

You can use "sits vacant" to describe a place or object that is currently not in use. For example, "The storefront "sits vacant", waiting for a new business to move in."

What are some alternatives to "sits vacant"?

Some alternatives to "sits vacant" include "remains unoccupied", "is currently empty", or "lies deserted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sits vacant"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Sits" is a verb, and "vacant" is an adjective describing the state of being unoccupied.

What does it mean when a property "sits vacant"?

When a property "sits vacant", it means that it is currently unoccupied and not being used. This can imply that the property is available for rent or sale, or that it is being neglected.