sitting empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting empty" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a place or object that is not currently being used or occupied. Example: "The old house at the end of the street has been sitting empty for years, waiting for someone to buy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Your other option is places sitting empty.

The New York Times

Q. Our old apartment is sitting empty, and not selling.

The New York Times

"I have therapeutic homes that are sitting empty," he said.

The New York Times

But it's hard to imagine the home sitting empty for long.

The New York Times

Meanwhile out in the remote areas, the eco-lodges where tourists actually go are sitting empty.

The Guardian - Travel

That left the prospect of a big theater sitting empty for much of the year.

The New York Times - Arts

After a year of sitting empty, it is up for sale.

The New York Times - Arts

The building, owned by the Rudin family, had been sitting empty.

The New York Times

The renovation and regeneration of buildings currently sitting empty could impact on this.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 6 07 to New Canaan was sitting empty on Track 25.

The New York Times

We started using it less often and hated to see this magnificent 220-year-old structure sitting empty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the negative impact of abandoned properties, use "sitting empty" to evoke a sense of waste and neglect, which can be more impactful than simply stating that a property is "vacant".

Common error

Avoid using "sitting empty" with abstract nouns (e.g., "ideas sitting empty"). The phrase is best suited for concrete nouns like "buildings", "rooms", or "seats". Consider alternatives like "unexplored", "untapped", or "dormant" for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting empty" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a state of being unoccupied or unused. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sitting empty" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe something not currently being used or occupied. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider using "sitting empty" to vividly convey the sense of waste or neglect associated with unused spaces or objects. While generally neutral in tone, avoid overuse with abstract nouns and be aware of more concise alternatives like "vacant" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lying vacant

Similar meaning with 'sitting vacant', but uses a different verb to denote position.

Standing empty

Uses "standing" to describe the state of emptiness, suitable for structures.

Empty and unused

Combines two adjectives for emphasis, highlighting both emptiness and lack of use.

Unoccupied

This term emphasizes the lack of residents or users in a space.

Unused

Focuses on the lack of utilization of a resource or space.

Vacant

This single word describes a state of being unoccupied or empty, often used for properties.

Remaining idle

Emphasizes the continuation of a state of idleness.

Idle

Highlights a state of inactivity or not being in use, applicable to objects or spaces.

Not being utilized

Highlights the lack of active use or application.

Not in use

A straightforward description of something not being utilized.

FAQs

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

You can use "sitting empty" to describe a physical space or object that is not currently being used. For example, "The theater was "sitting empty" for most of the year."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "sitting empty"?

Phrases with similar meanings include "lying vacant", "remaining idle", and "standing empty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "sitting empty" or should I use another phrase?

"Sitting empty" is a perfectly correct and commonly used phrase. However, depending on the context, alternatives like "vacant" or "unoccupied" might be more concise or appropriate.

What is the difference between "sitting empty" and "vacant"?

While both describe a state of being unoccupied, "sitting empty" often implies a temporary or undesirable state, while "vacant" is a more general term. For example, a house might be "sitting empty" while awaiting a new tenant, but it is simply "vacant" between occupants.