to be empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be empty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of having no contents or being devoid of anything. Example: "After the party, the room seemed to be empty, with only a few chairs left behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The car turned out to be empty.

The New York Times

This apartment is going to be empty.

The New York Times

"They're too expensive to be empty".

The New York Times

They want streets to be empty.

The Guardian

Turns out to be empty.

The Guardian - Books

"But these turned out to be empty promises.

The New York Times

"That airspace is going to be empty now.

The New Yorker

I want my brain to be empty for a while".

The Guardian - Books

By 2037, the trust fund is expected to be empty.

The New York Times

I had expected the beach to be empty.

The New York Times

The crawl space was found to be empty".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be empty", ensure the context clearly specifies what is lacking. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about the missing contents or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "to be empty" as a generic descriptor for emotional states or abstract concepts without concrete supporting details. Overuse can weaken the impact. Instead, opt for more specific and evocative language that captures the nuanced feeling you are trying to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be empty" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate adjective or complement. It describes the state of something lacking contents or occupants. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be empty" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of lacking contents, occupants, or substance. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a substantial number of real-world examples, confirms its common usage across various registers and contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and specify what exactly is lacking to avoid ambiguity. While common, overuse in metaphorical contexts without sufficient detail should be avoided for more impactful writing. Alternatives like "to be vacant" or "to be devoid of" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be vacant

Emphasizes the lack of occupants or contents, specifically for spaces or containers.

to be devoid of

Highlights a complete absence of something, often used in a more abstract or figurative sense.

to be unoccupied

Focuses on the lack of inhabitants or users, particularly in relation to a place or position.

to be barren

Suggests an inability to produce or support life, often applied to land or ideas.

to be hollow

Implies a lack of substance or sincerity, often used metaphorically to describe feelings or promises.

to be free of

Indicates the absence of something undesirable or burdensome.

to be clear of

Emphasizes the removal of obstacles or obstructions.

to be evacuated

Highlights the act of being emptied, usually referring to people leaving a place.

to be exhausted

Indicates the depletion of resources or energy.

to be depleted

Signifies a reduction or consumption of something until it is almost or completely gone.

FAQs

How can I use "to be empty" in a sentence?

You can use "to be empty" to describe physical spaces, such as "The room seemed "to be empty" after everyone left" or abstract concepts, like "His promises turned out "to be empty"".

What are some alternatives to "to be empty"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to be vacant", "to be devoid of", or "to be unoccupied" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is more appropriate, "to be empty" or "to become empty"?

"To be empty" describes a state, while "to become empty" describes a process. Use "to be empty" when referring to the current condition and "to become empty" when describing something that is in the process of emptying.

What is the difference between "to be empty" and "to be hollow"?

"To be empty" generally refers to the absence of contents, while "to be hollow" implies a physical emptiness or lack of substance, often with a negative connotation of insincerity or lack of depth.