stand vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand vacant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in written language to describe a space or property that is unoccupied or available for use. Example: The house has been on the market for months, but it continues to stand vacant because of its high price.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Office buildings stand vacant.

The New York Times

In downtown Mumbai one of the world's priciest markets for foreigners 3,000 houses stand vacant.

The Economist

Abandoned vehicles lie by the wayside, houses stand vacant and forlorn, bridges stretch emptily to nowhere.

Independent

Only a fraction still serve food; others have been converted or stand vacant.

The Guardian

And for most of the year, the hulking structures stand vacant.

The Guardian

For that reason, sales of new subsidized homes have slowed dramatically, and many stand vacant for months before selling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The building now stands vacant.

The New York Times

His Waterbury apartment stands vacant.

The New York Times

Historic storefronts stood vacant or burned down.

The Economist

For three years, the buildings stood vacant.

The Guardian

But the post has now stood vacant for a year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand vacant" to vividly describe the state of being unoccupied, often suggesting a sense of abandonment or potential use.

Common error

Avoid using "stand vacant" when the intended meaning is simply "empty", as the former often carries a connotation of neglect or disuse. Consider alternatives like "is empty" or "remains unoccupied" if a more neutral tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand vacant" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the state of a property or structure being unoccupied. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. The verb "stand" here acts as a linking verb, connecting the subject to the adjective "vacant".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stand vacant" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that describes a state of being unoccupied, often suggesting abandonment or unused potential. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written language to describe a space or property that is unoccupied or available for use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts, it carries a neutral register suitable for broad application. When writing, consider the connotations of neglect and disuse associated with the phrase, and opt for more neutral alternatives like "is empty" if necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sit vacant

Similar to "stand vacant" but replaces stand with sit

lie empty

Replaces "stand" with "lie", implying a horizontal position of emptiness.

remain unoccupied

Uses a more formal synonym for "vacant" and replaces "stand" with "remain".

be unoccupied

A passive construction emphasizing lack of occupancy

stay empty

Similar to "lie empty" but uses "stay" to suggest a continuous state.

are uninhabited

Focuses on the absence of residents or inhabitants.

sit idle

Implies a lack of activity or use, rather than just physical emptiness.

go unused

Emphasizes that something is not being utilized.

become deserted

Suggests a process of abandonment leading to a vacant state.

languish vacant

Adds a sense of neglect and decay to the vacant state.

FAQs

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

You can use "stand vacant" to describe a building or property that is unoccupied. For example, "The old factory now "lies empty", a stark reminder of the town's economic decline."

What does "stand vacant" imply?

"Stand vacant" suggests not only emptiness but also a sense of abandonment, neglect, or unused potential. It often evokes a feeling of something being left behind or forgotten.

What are some alternatives to "stand vacant"?

Alternatives include "lie empty", "remain unoccupied", or "sit idle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "stand vacant" or "sit vacant"?

Both "stand vacant" and "sit vacant" are acceptable, though "stand vacant" may be slightly more common when referring to buildings. "Sit vacant" could be used to describe a position or role that is unfilled.