they are devoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are devoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The landscape was barren, and they are devoid of any signs of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They are devoid of equanimity and reek of vengeance.

The New York Times

The advertisements are striking in that they are devoid of any overt attacks on opponents.

The New York Times

And, when applied to influence legislation, they are devoid of personhood.

The New York Times

"The fact of the matter is they are hiding behind this issue because they are devoid of ideas".

The New York Times

And because they are devoid of any synthetic materials or a scaffolding, they avoid complications from inflammatory reactions.

The New York Times - Health

Partial cone or 1,3-alternate conformers of azocalix[4]arenes result only when they are devoid of free phenolic groups.

Tetrahedron

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Their seeds possess no endosperm therefore they are devoided of nutrient supply.

Botanical Studies

They're devoid of prey, and devoid of tigers for that reason.

Yale University

An early complaint of his yachts was that they were devoid of manual labor.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were devoid of any ritualistic references to the friendship between the allies.

The New York Times

She was tired of Euro-American writers discussing wildernesses as if, by definition, they were devoid of people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are devoid" to describe a complete absence of something, particularly when emphasizing a lack of essential qualities or features.

Common error

Avoid using "they are devoid" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "they lack" or "they don't have" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are devoid" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a complete lack of something. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to highlight the absence of qualities, features, or components.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are devoid" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a complete lack of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, carrying a formal and often critical tone. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for formal or analytical writing, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Ludwig provides a wide array of examples, demonstrating its usage across various authoritative sources, cementing its place as a reliable and descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they lack

This alternative is more concise and direct, replacing "are devoid" with a single verb.

they are without

This alternative uses a prepositional phrase to indicate the absence of something.

they have no

This alternative is a more common and simpler way to express the lack of something.

they do not have

This alternative is a slightly more formal version of "they have no".

they possess nothing

This alternative emphasizes the complete absence of something, highlighting a total lack.

they are deficient in

This alternative suggests a lack that is considered a defect or shortcoming.

they are absent of

This alternative focuses on the absence of something, often in a physical sense.

they are empty of

This alternative emphasizes that something is entirely missing or vacant.

they are wanting in

This alternative suggests a need or requirement that is not being met.

they are bereft of

This alternative implies a sense of loss or deprivation.

FAQs

How can I use "they are devoid" in a sentence?

Use "they are devoid" to indicate a complete lack of something. For example, "The arguments "they are devoid" of any logical basis."

What can I say instead of "they are devoid"?

You can use alternatives like "they lack", "they are without", or "they have no" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they are devoid of" or "they are devoid from"?

"They are devoid of" is the correct form. The preposition "of" is used to indicate what is lacking.

Is "they are devoid" formal?

"They are devoid" is generally considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "they lack" or "they don't have".