stood empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stood empty" is both correct and commonly used in written English.
It describes the state of something being unoccupied or not in use. It can be used in various situations, such as describing a vacant building, an empty room, or an unused seat. Here is an example sentence: "The house had been on the market for months, but it still stood empty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shops stood empty.

The New Yorker

For years they stood empty.

The New York Times

The museum stood empty and bomb-damaged.

The Guardian - Arts

The armchair especially installed for him in court stood empty.

The Economist

At least half a dozen tables stood empty.

The New York Times

The economy was depressed — in the square, boutiques stood empty.

The New Yorker

The order book stood empty after the economic downturn.

The New York Times

Some houses stood empty of renters all season long.

The New York Times

The two police stations in the village stood empty.

The New York Times

The weather had turned colder, the house now stood empty.

The New York Times - Books

Some 80 percent of the storefronts along State Street stood empty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stood empty" to vividly describe places or objects that are conspicuously unoccupied or not in use. This phrase often creates a sense of loneliness, neglect, or anticipation depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "stand empty" when describing a past state. The correct form is "stood empty". For example, say "The theater stood empty after the final performance" not "The theater stand empty after the final performance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stood empty" functions as a verb phrase that describes the state of something being unoccupied or unused. Ludwig examples show it is often used to create a sense of abandonment or stillness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stood empty" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is unoccupied or unused. As Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples demonstrate, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of absence and can evoke feelings of loneliness, neglect, or anticipation. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it paints a vivid picture using simple language. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness. Remember to use "stood empty" when referring to a past state and consider alternatives like "remained vacant" or "was unoccupied" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unoccupied

States a past condition of not being inhabited or used.

remained unused

Focuses on the lack of utilization or application.

stayed vacant

Highlights the persistence of the empty state.

remained vacant

Emphasizes the continuation of the state of being unoccupied over a period.

was uninhabited

Specifically refers to a place not being lived in.

lay deserted

Suggests abandonment and a lack of activity or inhabitants.

was devoid of occupants

Formally indicates the absence of any inhabitants.

sat idle

Implies inactivity and a lack of purpose or function.

presented an empty facade

Describes the outward appearance of being unoccupied.

existed in emptiness

Emphasizes the sheer absence of anything filling the space.

FAQs

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

You can use "stood empty" to describe a physical space or object that is unoccupied. For example, "The classroom "stood empty" during summer vacation" or "The display case "stood empty" after the jewelry was sold".

What are some alternatives to "stood empty"?

Alternatives to "stood empty" include "remained vacant", "was unoccupied", or "lay deserted" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "stand empty" instead of "stood empty"?

The phrase "stand empty" is grammatically incorrect when describing a past state; the correct past tense form is ""stood empty"". Use "stand empty" only for present or future tense constructions.

What is the difference between "stood empty" and "sat empty"?

"Stood empty" usually refers to buildings, rooms, or large containers. "Sat empty" typically describes objects designed to hold something, like chairs or containers, emphasizing their lack of contents or occupants. For example, "The house "stood empty"", while "The glass "sat empty" on the table".