stayed empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of remaining unoccupied or unused over a period of time. Example: "After the party, the room stayed empty for days, as no one wanted to clean up the mess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The barracks stayed empty.

The New York Times - Arts

If he didn't show, it stayed empty.

The Guardian - Travel

But the space stayed empty for two years.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

And with the convention dominating each evening, It is no wonder that many restaurants stayed empty.

The New York Times

By 2000, the lots had been sold, but most stayed empty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 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

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a space or object that remained unused for a specific duration, use "stayed empty" to clearly convey the lack of occupancy or utilization over that time.

Common error

While "stayed empty" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "remained vacant" or "remained unoccupied" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed empty" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, often modifying a noun to indicate its state of being unoccupied or unused. This is supported by examples presented by Ludwig, indicating that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stayed empty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, primarily found in News & Media contexts, to describe a state of vacancy or non-occupancy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, writers should consider context-appropriate alternatives like "remained vacant" or "remained unoccupied" for enhanced formality. The phrase serves to inform and provide descriptive detail, maintaining a generally neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Though frequent, remember that using the most appropriate synonyms is a trait of skillful writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained vacant

Focuses on the official status of being unoccupied.

remained unoccupied

Emphasizes the physical state of not being inhabited.

was not occupied

Directly states the absence of occupants.

was left unused

Highlights the lack of utilization of something.

lacked occupants

Specifically addresses the absence of people.

stood vacant

Implies a more lasting and perhaps neglected state.

went unused

Similar to 'was left unused' but can imply a missed opportunity.

was untenanted

A more formal way to say that a property had no tenant.

lay dormant

Suggests a potential for future use, currently inactive.

was deserted

Suggests abandonment and emptiness, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "stayed empty"?

You can use alternatives like "remained vacant", "remained unoccupied", or "was left unused" depending on the context.

How do I use "stayed empty" in a sentence?

Use "stayed empty" to describe a state where something remained without occupants or contents for a period. For example, "The house stayed empty for years after the previous owners moved out."

What is the difference between "stayed empty" and "became empty"?

"Stayed empty" implies a continuation of a state of emptiness, while "became empty" indicates a change of state to being empty. For instance, "The theater stayed empty all night" vs. "The theater became empty after the show ended."

Is it correct to say "stay empty" instead of "stayed empty"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Stay empty" (present tense) suggests a general characteristic or instruction, while "stayed empty" (past tense) describes a specific past situation. For example, "The instructions said the container should stay empty" versus "The container stayed empty during the entire experiment."