vain utterances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vain utterances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe statements or remarks that are empty, meaningless, or lacking in substance. Example: "His speech was filled with vain utterances that failed to address the real issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The religious, social, and economic sins of Judah roll from the prophet's utterances in staccato-like sequence: (1) "Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How vain.

Independent

And in their utterances.

Independent

Too vain.

The New Yorker

Vain hope!

Independent

Vain, P. Nat.

Nature

Vain his opinions, his pursuits are vain!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These are modern utterances.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But in vain.

The New York Times

Parker chased in vain.

Independent

It was in vain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vain utterances" when you want to emphasize the emptiness and lack of value in someone's speech or writing. It's effective for highlighting the futility of certain statements or pronouncements.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "vain utterances" with utterances that are arrogant or conceited. "Vain" in this context refers to emptiness, not pride. Use it to describe statements that lack substance, not necessarily those made with arrogance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vain utterances" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "vain" modifies "utterances" to indicate that the utterances are empty, futile, or lacking in substance. As Ludwig AI suggests, this highlights statements devoid of real meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vain utterances" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe statements lacking substance or value. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's not an extremely common expression. Its function is to criticize or dismiss pointless communication. The phrase appears in neutral to formal contexts across news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. Consider it when you need to emphasize the emptiness of certain pronouncements. Be mindful not to confuse "vain" (empty) with "arrogant" (conceited).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hollow statements

Suggests a lack of sincerity or depth.

meaningless remarks

Focuses on the lack of significance or purpose.

insignificant remarks

Focuses on the lack of noteworthiness or consequence.

empty pronouncements

Emphasizes the lack of substance in the statements.

shallow comments

Suggests a lack of depth and thoughtfulness.

worthless pronouncements

Indicates the low value or importance of the statements.

idle words

Highlights the unproductive and trivial nature of the speech.

pointless declarations

Emphasizes the absence of a valid reason or goal.

futile expressions

Stresses the ineffectiveness and pointlessness of the utterances.

fruitless words

Highlights the lack of positive outcome or result.

FAQs

What does "vain utterances" mean?

"Vain utterances" refers to statements or remarks that are empty, meaningless, or lacking in substance. It suggests that the words spoken are futile or without real value.

How can I use "vain utterances" in a sentence?

You might say, "His speech was filled with "vain utterances" that failed to address the real issues at hand", indicating the speech lacked substance and relevance.

What are some alternatives to "vain utterances"?

You can use alternatives like "empty pronouncements", "meaningless remarks", or "hollow statements" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "vain utterances" in formal writing?

Yes, "vain utterances" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to describe speech or writing that is empty and lacks substance. However, consider the specific context and ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing.