staying empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staying empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of remaining unoccupied or devoid of content, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "Despite the numerous opportunities presented, she found herself staying empty, unable to commit to any of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But local officials are happy that the site is creating some jobs rather than staying empty, and they say having multiple, smaller tenants there helps diversify the economy.

The New York Times

"You have situations like 'Rebecca' falling apart, which was totally unforeseen, and then staying empty until 'Lucky Guy' can arrive, based on Tom's availability," said Robert E. Wankel, president of the Shubert Organization, which owns 17 of Broadway's 40 theaters, including the Broadhurst and the Lyceum.

The New York Times

St. Roch Market After staying empty for a decade after flooding, St . Roch Market founded in 1875, reopened in April with 13 specialty food shops.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But many apartments are staying emptier longer than in the last five years, and landlords are doing what they can to fill them up.

The New York Times

The barracks stayed empty.

The New York Times - Arts

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 space stayed empty for two years.

The New York Times

But the bases did not stay empty for long.

The New York Times - Sports

If he didn't show, it stayed empty.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "staying empty", ensure the context clearly indicates what is remaining vacant. Be specific about the subject and its state of emptiness to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the theater is staying empty" is more effective than "things are staying empty".

Common error

Avoid using "staying empty" in overly abstract or metaphorical situations where a more precise term would be more suitable. While the phrase is acceptable, it can sometimes lack the nuance needed for complex ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staying empty" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a descriptor within a sentence. It describes the condition of something remaining unoccupied or devoid of content. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "staying empty" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that describes a state of vacancy or inactivity. Ludwig confirms its validity. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, with only three exact examples found in the provided data, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "remaining vacant" or "remaining unoccupied". To ensure clarity, be specific about what is "staying empty" and avoid overuse in abstract situations. Overall, "staying empty" is a versatile phrase suitable for a variety of descriptive purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining vacant

Focuses on the condition of being unoccupied or unfilled over a period.

remaining unoccupied

Emphasizes the lack of inhabitants or occupants.

remaining unfilled

Highlights the absence of content or substance.

remaining desolate

Conveys a sense of abandonment and emptiness, often with a negative connotation.

remaining void

Stresses the lack of anything present, emphasizing emptiness.

being uninhabited

Highlights the lack of residents or inhabitants in a space.

being deserted

Indicates abandonment and lack of activity.

lying vacant

Focuses on the passive state of being empty and available.

lying unused

Emphasizes that something is not being utilized.

standing empty

Implies that something is not being used and is in a state of vacancy.

FAQs

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

You can use "staying empty" to describe a physical space not being occupied, such as "The house was "staying empty" for months after the family moved out". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a lack of activity or content.

What are some alternatives to "staying empty"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remaining vacant", "remaining unoccupied", or "remaining unfilled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These alternatives may be more appropriate in certain contexts to enhance clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "staying empty"?

Yes, "staying empty" is grammatically correct. The word "staying" acts as a gerund, and "empty" functions as an adjective complementing it. This structure is common and accepted in English usage.

What is the difference between "staying empty" and "remaining empty"?

While both phrases are similar, ""staying empty"" implies a continuous state of being unoccupied over a period, whereas "remaining empty" focuses more on the continuation of that state from a previous point.