stay empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stay empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to convey the idea of remaining unoccupied or not filled. Example: "In order to maintain the integrity of the experiment, the container must stay empty until the next phase begins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The remaining slots will stay empty.

The Economist

You redecorate, and the rooms stay empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Houses in Hollis do not stay empty long, she said.

The New York Times

But the bases did not stay empty for long.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd love to see a few of the leftover no-man's-lands actually stay empty.

The Guardian

One day soon he'd open his hand for Peter's, and it would stay empty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The barracks stayed empty.

The New York Times - Arts

But the space stayed empty for two years.

The New York Times

If he didn't show, it stayed empty.

The Guardian - Travel

She remembered having saved a seat for him on the bus, and how it stayed empty.

The New Yorker

You stand while the seat stays empty under the protection of your friends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stay empty" to describe a condition where something is expected to be filled but remains without content or occupants. For example, "The theater will stay empty if ticket sales don't improve."

Common error

Avoid using "stay empty" when you mean something was briefly empty but is now occupied. Use it to describe a more persistent or intended state of emptiness, not a temporary one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay empty" functions primarily as a predicate describing the state of a subject. It indicates that something maintains a condition of being unoccupied or unfilled, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stay empty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of continuous vacancy. According to Ludwig, it functions as a predicate, conveying that something remains unoccupied or unfilled. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media. While synonyms like "remain vacant" and "keep unfilled" offer alternatives, "stay empty" clearly communicates the intended meaning. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain vacant

Emphasizes the lack of occupancy or habitation.

keep unfilled

Highlights the action of preventing something from being filled.

not be occupied

States a clear and direct lack of occupation.

persistently unoccupied

Stresses the continuous nature of being without occupants.

continue to be vacant

Focuses on the continuation of a state of vacancy.

remain unpopulated

Indicates absence of residents or inhabitants.

be left vacant

Suggests vacancy is a result of abandonment.

persist without filling

Highlights the ongoing lack of filling or completion.

go unfulfilled

Implies a lack of satisfaction or accomplishment.

go untouched

Suggests a state of being undisturbed or unused.

FAQs

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

You can use "stay empty" to describe something that remains unoccupied or unfilled. For instance, "The seats in the stadium will "stay empty" if fans don't show up."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "stay empty"?

Alternatives include "remain vacant", "keep unfilled", or "persistently unoccupied", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "stay empty"?

Yes, "stay empty" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a state of remaining unoccupied.

What's the difference between "stay empty" and "become empty"?

"Stay empty" implies a continuation of an existing state of emptiness, while "become empty" suggests a transition from being occupied to being empty. For example, "The glass "stayed empty"" means it was already empty and continued to be so. "The glass "became empty"" indicates it was previously full but is now empty.