vacate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vacate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of leaving a place or giving up a position, often in legal or formal situations. Example: "The tenants were required to vacate the premises by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mayor, however, failed to convince them to vacate the premises.

The Guardian

On Sunday Labor's deputy leader, Tanya Plibersek, said she was happy to vacate her role as seconder of the Shorten bill if a Liberal MP would step forward as a co-sponsor.

The Guardian

Its formats range from leaflets dropped by F16s telling people to vacate certain areas to late-night TV speeches by Hamas commanders, through to Twitter and the ultimate social network: word of mouth.

The Guardian - Opinion

League positions notwithstanding, optimism is probably higher at Pompey at present as the trust edges closer to securing a deal to take control of the club, whereas Coventry's situation is mired in confusion, with staff being told to vacate the Ricoh Arena on Friday after the owner Sisu put a non-operating subsidiary, CCFC Ltd, into administration on Thursday.

The Guardian - Sport

Since then Annington wrote again to tenants in July of last year to ensure that they were all aware of the need to vacate the properties in January 2015".

The Guardian

When businesses evade their obligations it leads to greater costs for honest taxpayers.The company that owns and publishes Vanguardia was notified in November 2009 that they would have to vacate when their 2007 lease expired unless they reached a new agreement with the government, which owns the building where they operated.Evictions are never pretty.

The Economist

One of his first acts was to vacate the government palace in the Zócalo and "remodel" the square, ripping up ancient trees.

The Economist

Palestinian mothers juggling two toddlers would politely vacate their seats for religious Jewish women in wigs with double-decker push-chairs, who in turn would surrender them to wizened Russian babushkas.

The Economist

But Vulcan Materials, the company currently mining the quarry, has until 2008 to vacate the site, and planning for Westside Park won't begin until April.

The Economist

Blacks could sit there, but if a white needed their seat they were expected to vacate not one seat, but the whole row, in order to spare the white the embarrassment of sitting by a nigger.

The Economist

But not content with running a city loathed by conservatives, Mr Newsom now wishes to take charge of an entire state.The young, handsome mayor (he is 41) has begun to raise money and hold town-hall meetings in preparation for a run at the office that Arnold Schwarzenegger will vacate at the end of next year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vacate" when you want to emphasize a formal or legally required departure from a place or position. For more informal contexts, consider using "leave" or "move out".

Common error

Avoid using "vacate" interchangeably with "evacuate". "Evacuate" implies an urgent or emergency situation, while "vacate" simply means to leave.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vacate" is as a verb. It describes the action of leaving or emptying a place or position. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, from legal to everyday situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vacate" is a versatile verb that means to leave or empty a place or position, often with a sense of formality or obligation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, including news, legal documents, and general discourse. While alternatives like "leave" or "move out" exist for less formal situations, "vacate" is particularly useful when emphasizing a required departure. Understanding its appropriate context, as well as avoiding confusion with terms like "evacuate", will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leave

A general term for departing from a place.

Evacuate

Specifically refers to leaving a place due to danger or an emergency.

Abandon

Implies leaving something behind, often permanently.

Resign from

Specifically refers to leaving a position or office.

Relinquish

To voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.

Move out of

Specifically refers to leaving a residence.

Step down from

Implies voluntarily leaving a position of power or authority.

Repeal

Refers to revoking or annulling a law or judgment.

Overturn

Means to reverse or invalidate a decision or ruling.

Nullify

Means to make legally void or ineffective.

FAQs

What does "vacate" mean?

"Vacate" means to leave a place or position, often implying a formal or required departure. It can refer to leaving a house, office, or even a role.

What can I say instead of "vacate"?

You can use alternatives like "leave", "move out", "resign from", or "abandon" depending on the context.

When should I use "vacate" versus "evacuate"?

Use "evacuate" when there is an urgent need to leave due to danger or an emergency. Use "vacate" for general or legally required departures.

Is it correct to say "vacate the decision"?

Yes, in legal contexts, "vacate" can mean to annul or set aside a court judgment. You could also say "overturn the decision" or "repeal the decision".