stand empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand empty" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to describe a situation or place that is missing something that was previously there. For example: "The house once filled with laughter now stands empty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Buildings stand empty.

The New York Times

The houses stand empty.

The Guardian

Fewer shops stand empty.

The Guardian - Arts

But the buildings stand empty.

The Guardian

They buy large houses that stand empty.

The New York Times

More towers stand empty, awaiting destruction.

The New York Times - Arts

Proper petrol stations, by contrast, stand empty.

The Economist

They will stand empty in the heat.

The Guardian - Opinion

But entire cell blocks stand empty.

The New York Times

Most of its 450 apartments stand empty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It lets us scrap our production lines and stand empty-handed in the garage or backyard, and start again.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand empty" to vividly describe the state of abandonment or vacancy of a physical space, such as buildings, rooms, or even abstract concepts like positions or roles.

Common error

Avoid using "stand empty" when you mean something is simply not full or occupied temporarily. "Stand empty" implies a sense of neglect, abandonment, or a lack of purpose that a simple state of vacancy might not convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand empty" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the state of a place or object that is unoccupied and often carries a connotation of abandonment or neglect. As Ludwig shows, it frequently describes buildings or spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand empty" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the unoccupied state of a place or object, often implying abandonment or neglect. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to depict vacancy and often evoke a sense of loss. For alternative phrasing, consider "remain vacant" or "be unoccupied" depending on the desired nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants the implication of neglect, and not just temporary vacancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain vacant

Emphasizes a state of being unoccupied over a period.

lie unused

Focuses on the lack of utilization of something.

sit idle

Highlights the inactivity and lack of purpose.

be unoccupied

Directly states the absence of occupants.

become deserted

Suggests a previous state of occupation followed by abandonment.

become vacant

Focuses on the transition to a state of being unoccupied.

be abandoned

Highlights the act of being left behind.

lack occupants

Highlights the absence of people occupying a space.

are uninhabited

Formally states that no one lives there.

are untenanted

Emphasizes that there are no tenants.

FAQs

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

You can use "stand empty" to describe buildings or spaces that are not occupied, often implying a sense of abandonment or disuse. For example, "After the factory closed, the buildings "stood empty" for years".

What are some alternatives to "stand empty"?

Alternatives include "remain vacant", "be unoccupied", or "become deserted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "standing empty" instead of "stand empty"?

While "standing empty" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts (e.g. "The glass was standing empty on the table"), "stand empty" is generally used to describe a more permanent or prolonged state of vacancy.

What does it mean when buildings "stand empty"?

When buildings "stand empty", it typically means they are unoccupied and not in use, often suggesting economic decline, neglect, or a lack of demand for the space.