stays vacant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stays vacant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a position, property, or space is unoccupied or not filled. Example: "Despite several applications, the position remains unfilled and stays vacant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"My main concern," he said, "is that as the place stays vacant, people are trying to get inside".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Wal-Mart said it hoped the CheckUps clinics would not stay vacant for long.

The New York Times

Mr. Simmons said that Mr. Mitchell was "contributing to the negative look of the neighborhood by letting that building stay vacant".

The New York Times

With some homes staying vacant for months or even years, the government, they say, needs to act as an intermediary.

The New York Times

But the Republicans don't agree to any of Obama's choices, and so the seats stay vacant, sometimes for years.

The New Yorker

Of course, that won't last; a location that rivals the Arc de Triomphe's for drama is not about to stay vacant.

The New York Times

"Three years ago, we didn't have an apartment to offer anyone, and now we find they stay vacant a little longer than usual," she said.

The New York Times

And, finally, when potential tenants of vacant storefronts see activity and a street that the community takes pride in, there is a greater chance that vacancies won't stay vacant very long.

The New York Times

"As properties stay vacant for longer periods of time," says Joe Schilling, a founder of the National Vacant Properties Campaign, "it's inevitable that even in some of the fast-growing communities, they'll have to look at demolition".

The New York Times - Magazine

For his part, Mayor John Jack F. Zisa said that when the county first proposed a new office building, he was concerned about the effect on the city if Court Plaza stayed vacant too long.

The New York Times

To the applause of his colleagues in the Council chambers, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell of the Bronx said that although he regretted that the armory would stay vacant, "there is only one administration and one mayor to blame".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stays vacant" to clearly and concisely describe a situation where a place, position, or object remains unoccupied or unused over a period. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the duration of the vacancy.

Common error

Avoid using "stays vacant" when you mean to describe an active process of vacating a space. The phrase implies a state of ongoing emptiness, not the act of becoming empty. Use alternatives like "becomes vacant" or "is being vacated" to express the active process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stays vacant" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuing state of being unoccupied or unfilled. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. It connects the verb "stays" (linking verb) with the adjective "vacant", describing a condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stays vacant" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that remains unoccupied or unfilled, as Ludwig AI confirms. Appearing predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts, it carries a neutral register adaptable to various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing the ongoing nature of the vacancy rather than the act of becoming vacant. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "remains unoccupied" or "continues to be vacant". Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and prevent common errors associated with the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unoccupied

Emphasizes the continuation of being not occupied.

remains empty

Highlights the lack of contents or inhabitants over time.

remains unfilled

Specifically refers to a position or role that has not been taken.

remains uninhabited

Focuses on the absence of people living in a place.

is left vacant

Indicates a passive action of something being made or allowed to be vacant.

is kept empty

Suggests a deliberate action to maintain a state of emptiness.

continues vacant

Highlights the ongoing nature of the vacancy.

has not been filled

Focuses on the action of filling a space or position that hasn't occurred.

is still vacant

Emphasizes the persistence of the vacant state.

is still unoccupied

Emphasizes the persistence of the state of being not occupied.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "stays vacant" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "remains unoccupied", "remains vacant", or "continues to be vacant". These options provide a similar meaning while elevating the level of formality.

What does it mean when a position "stays vacant"?

When a position "stays vacant", it indicates that the role or job has not been filled and remains open for an extended period. This might be due to a lack of suitable candidates, budget constraints, or organizational restructuring.

Is there a difference between "remains vacant" and "stays vacant"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "remains vacant" often suggests a more prolonged or indefinite period of vacancy, whereas "stays vacant" can imply a temporary or shorter duration. The choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis.

What are some common reasons why a property "stays vacant"?

Properties may "stay vacant" due to factors such as high rental costs, economic downturns, undesirable location, extensive repair needs, or legal issues. Landlords may also choose to keep properties vacant for strategic reasons, such as waiting for better market conditions.