vacuous expressions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vacuous expressions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe statements or phrases that lack meaning, substance, or depth. Example: "The politician's speech was filled with vacuous expressions that failed to address the real issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The vacuous expressions on the faces create a feeling of rudderless, dispirited anomie that was emblematic of the larger society.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He handed me a dusty photograph featuring a rather tall man reminiscent of the orangutan in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and a blond woman with a somewhat vacuous expression.

The New Yorker

Ms. Gunderson's black-on-black portraits of Danish and Bulgarian kings who aided the Jews, illustrative charcoal drawings of civilian heroes and allegorical visions of nautical escape may have memorial value for some viewers, but they are vacuous as expressions of moral insight or celebration (Johnson).

The New York Times - Arts

In addition to vacuous singular expressions, gap-based analyses have been proposed for future contingents (following one reading of Aristotle's exposition of the sea-battle; cf. §2 above) and category mistakes (e.g. "The number 7 likes/doesn't like to dance").

SEP

Some philosophers have reacted even more radically to the problems of usual characterizations, claiming that the distinction between logical and non-logical expressions must be vacuous, and thus rejecting the notion of logical form altogether. (See e.g. Orayen 1989, ch. 4, §2.2; Etchemendy 1990, ch. 9; Read 1994; Priest 2001).

SEP

The truth predicate has to satisfy certain principles; otherwise the global reflection principle would be vacuous.

SEP

Vacuous chewing movements constitute the most common pattern of expression of purposeless oral movements and represent an impermanent response, with individual and strain susceptibility differences.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Yet it's vacuous stuff.

The New York Times - Arts

The vacuous modern era?

The New York Times - Books

It's vacuous".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That was vacuous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vacuous expressions", ensure that the context clearly indicates a lack of substance or genuine feeling. Avoid using it as a generic insult; specify why the expressions are vacuous.

Common error

While "vacuous expressions" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound overly critical or pretentious. Consider using simpler alternatives like "empty phrases" or "meaningless statements" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vacuous expressions" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where the adjective "vacuous" modifies the noun "expressions". It's used to characterize statements or phrases that lack meaning, substance, or intellectual depth. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct phrase to use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vacuous expressions" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe statements lacking substance or meaning. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and can be used in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, as evidenced by the limited number of examples, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, consider the context and whether simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Remember to specify why the expressions are vacuous to avoid generic criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant statements

Focuses on the lack of thought or intelligence behind the statements.

empty words

Focuses on the lack of meaning in the spoken or written words.

meaningless phrases

Emphasizes the absence of significance or purpose in the expressions.

shallow remarks

Highlights the superficiality and lack of depth in the comments.

hollow statements

Suggests that the statements are insincere or lack genuine feeling.

inane utterances

Indicates that the expressions are silly, foolish, or lacking sense.

vapid comments

Emphasizes the lack of flavor, zest, or interest in the remarks.

banal pronouncements

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of originality in the declarations.

insipid remarks

Suggests that the remarks are dull, lifeless, and uninteresting.

fatuous comments

Indicates that the comments are silly and pointless.

FAQs

How can I use "vacuous expressions" in a sentence?

You can use "vacuous expressions" to describe language that lacks meaning or substance, such as "The politician's speech was full of "vacuous expressions" designed to appease everyone while saying nothing concrete."

What are some alternatives to "vacuous expressions"?

Alternatives include "empty phrases", "meaningless statements", or "shallow remarks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vacuous expressions" a formal or informal phrase?

"Vacuous expressions" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "empty words" or "nonsense" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "vacuous expressions" and "insincere expressions"?

"Vacuous expressions" suggests a lack of substance or intelligence, while "insincere expressions" implies dishonesty or a lack of genuine feeling. The former is about emptiness; the latter is about deception.