they are empty

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are empty" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe the contents of something. For example, “The shelves were full yesterday, but now they are empty.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Currently, state regulation forbids trucks to park in commuter lots even though they are empty at night.

The New York Times

They are empty nesters now.

The New York Times

They are empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

But now they are empty.

The New York Times - Sports

The problem is that they are empty.

The New York Times - Books

Homes are particularly vulnerable when they are empty.

Independent

Cathedrals turn cold when they are empty of people.

The New Yorker

They are empty about 50 weeks of the year.

The Guardian

Plates are cleared as soon as they are empty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ruth Chesi refills buckets of charcoal as soon as they are empty.

The Economist

"People like to go to the elephant village, but now they are empty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are empty" to clearly and directly convey a state of emptiness, whether physical or metaphorical. Ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are empty" when referring to emotional states if a more nuanced or descriptive phrase would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "their words are empty", consider "their words lack sincerity" or "their words ring hollow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are empty" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates that a particular subject (represented by "they") lacks content, occupants, or substance. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage, confirming its role in conveying a state of emptiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are empty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a state of being devoid of content, occupants, or substance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Related phrases include "they are unoccupied" and "they are vacant", offering similar meanings. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase precisely, avoiding overly metaphorical applications where more specific language would enhance clarity. Source quality is high, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are unoccupied

Focuses on the state of not being currently used or inhabited.

they are vacant

Highlights the absence of intended occupants or contents.

they are devoid of content

Emphasizes the lack of meaningful or substantial material.

they are hollow

Suggests a lack of inner substance or value.

they are bare

Implies a complete lack of covering or contents.

they are unfilled

Indicates that something is not yet occupied or completed.

they are barren

Suggests an inability to produce or support life or growth.

they are deserted

Emphasizes abandonment and a lack of human presence.

they are evacuated

Indicates a removal of occupants due to danger or necessity.

they are forsaken

Highlights a state of being abandoned or neglected.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are empty" to describe physical spaces, like "The classrooms "they are empty" after school hours", or to describe something lacking substance, like "His promises "they are empty"".

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

You can use alternatives like "they are vacant", "they are unoccupied", or "they are devoid of content" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they're empty" instead of "they are empty"?

Yes, "they're empty" is a contraction of "they are empty" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, especially in informal writing and speech.

What is the difference between "they are empty" and "they are blank"?

"They are empty" suggests a lack of contents or substance, while "they are blank" indicates a lack of information or markings. For example, "The pages they are blank" versus "The bottles "they are empty"".