slightly empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being that is not completely devoid of content or substance, but lacking in fullness or completeness. Example: "The room felt slightly empty after all the furniture was removed, giving it an echoing quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Film

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

ITunes in Europe will be a slightly empty service as a result".

The Guardian

As the film edges closer to the feelgood finale, tears are shed, fridge magnet wisdom is delivered and broad realizations are made, but despite best intentions, it all feels slightly empty.

The Guardian - Film

This mannered, self-conscious style was new in my experience of watching Ms. Vishneva, and disappointing, since it removed any possibility of empathy for her character and left only a slightly empty admiration for the physical beauty of her dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

But there is no doubting that Kushner knows what she is doing with the slightly empty characterisation of Reno – a writer this brilliant and this self-aware does not leave an accidental blank.

The Guardian - Books

But for the brand too, the product, the general sense of something slightly empty behind the noise that has hovered around our wastrel league for the past two decades.

The Guardian - Sport

Is "slightly empty" when I first start eating?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sure, some concession stands were still closed, and the upper bowl was slightly emptier than it had been at the team's nadir (perhaps the novelty of buying and even selling tickets for next-to-nothing had worn off).

The New York Times

Here is what I tell the parents: think of what you want to tell your children when you finally take leave of them and they go off to their dorm and the beginning of their new chapter in life and you set out for the slightly emptier house that you will now live in.

Huffington Post

This generous retrospective has a few glitches -- too many works borrowed from too few collections and a slightly too empty look in some galleries -- but nothing really detracts from its power.

The New York Times

For a time, the impulse marriage generates a togetherness that's slightly less empty than the previous aloneness, though admittedly most of that togetherness consists of taking ("ingesting") drugs, then making student film-y videos in McDonald's.

Los Angeles Times

We also tested the affect of MTF-1 on −1.1/−0.6 kb in U-87 MG cells (Figure 2B) and although the basal activity of −1.1/−0.6 kb was only slightly above empty vector (pGL3basic), there was a similar trend for that observed in the SH-SY5Y cells.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly empty" to describe a situation or space that is not completely devoid, but noticeably lacking in content or activity. It's more nuanced than simply saying "empty".

Common error

Avoid using "slightly empty" to describe deep emotional states. While it can work, it may come across as understated or lacking empathy. Consider more potent vocabulary like "lonely", "desolate", or "melancholy" for impactful emotional descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly empty" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns, indicating a state of being that is not completely full or occupied. Ludwig provides examples across varied contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

14%

Arts

6%

Less common in

Film

6%

Books

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly empty" is a useful adjective phrase for describing a state of partial emptiness, suitable for both physical and abstract contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears in a variety of sources, although it's not extremely common. When using "slightly empty", consider the emotional impact and whether a more potent or descriptive alternative might be more appropriate. Remember to use it to describe that something is missing, but not completely absent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat vacant

Indicates a lack of content or activity to a moderate degree.

partially unfilled

Emphasizes the incomplete filling of a space or container.

relatively bare

Focuses on the lack of covering or ornamentation, implying emptiness.

a little hollow

Suggests an emotional or physical emptiness that is not overwhelming.

almost void

Highlights the near absence of something, bordering on complete emptiness.

scarcely occupied

Refers to a space that is minimally populated or used.

thinly populated

Describes a space with few inhabitants or elements, creating a sense of emptiness.

not quite full

Directly indicates that something is less than completely filled.

mildly deserted

Implies a slight abandonment or lack of activity in a space.

nearly blank

Emphasizes the absence of information or features, suggesting a kind of emptiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly empty" to describe physical spaces, emotions, or even abstract concepts that lack fullness. For example, "The room felt slightly empty after the guests left," or "His words sounded "a little hollow" despite his enthusiasm".

What's the difference between "slightly empty" and "completely empty"?

"Slightly empty" suggests a partial lack of content, implying that something is missing but not entirely absent. "Completely empty" indicates a total absence of anything. One implies a degree of fullness or potential, the other does not.

Are there situations where "slightly empty" is not appropriate?

Using "slightly empty" to describe a container that needs to be completely devoid for safety or operational reasons may be inappropriate; in those cases, precise language like "completely empty" is required. Also, avoid using it when describing intense feelings; more descriptive alternatives would be more appropriate.

What are some alternative phrases for "slightly empty"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "somewhat vacant", "partially unfilled", or "a little hollow". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.