virtually deserted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually deserted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place that is almost empty or lacking in people, often conveying a sense of abandonment or isolation. Example: "The once-bustling town square was now virtually deserted, with only a few stray cats wandering the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The health centre was virtually deserted.

The Guardian

The warehouse district that is home to Mr. Moreno's company is virtually deserted these days.

The New York Times

Most flights have 10 or fewer people on board and the airport is virtually deserted.

The New York Times

Some of the country's most extraordinary sites are virtually deserted; tourism has fallen 66% since 2011.

The Guardian - Travel

Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv, which is normally full of activity Saturday night, was virtually deserted.

The New York Times

The main route, Highway 60, going north to Nablus, was virtually deserted.

The New York Times

More than four months after the massacre, El Salado is virtually deserted.

The New York Times

But by Monday, the $30 million aquatic center was virtually deserted.

The New York Times

Today his office compound was virtually deserted because of a nationwide strike by municipal workers.

The New York Times

By the spring, the enormous space was virtually deserted on weekdays.

The New York Times

The city remained virtually deserted until Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia and overthrew the Khmer Rouge in 1979.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually deserted" to vividly depict a scene or location that is almost entirely empty, creating a strong sense of isolation or abandonment in your writing. This phrase works best when emphasizing the absence of people or activity where one would normally expect it.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually deserted" to describe abstract concepts or situations that cannot be physically deserted. It's best reserved for tangible locations or settings to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually deserted" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun (typically a place) as being almost entirely empty. This is supported by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, where it modifies nouns like "street", "beach", and "building".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually deserted" effectively describes a place that is almost empty, and according to Ludwig, is correct and usable in written English. Functioning as an adjectival modifier, it conveys a sense of isolation or abandonment, suitable for various contexts with a neutral register. It is commonly used in News & Media, Travel, and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, avoid metaphorical overuse and focus on tangible locations to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "almost empty" or "nearly vacant" can be used to refine the nuance. With an expert rating of 4.5, its consistent and authoritative usage solidifies its position as a valuable descriptive tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost empty

Emphasizes the lack of occupants or activity, focusing on the physical state of being nearly vacant.

nearly vacant

Highlights the lack of occupancy, stressing the potential for something to be filled but currently isn't.

practically uninhabited

Focuses on the absence of residents or inhabitants, emphasizing a more permanent state of emptiness.

largely unoccupied

Indicates that most of the space or area is not being used or lived in, suggesting a significant portion is empty.

mostly abandoned

Suggests a state of neglect and forsakenness, indicating that the place has been left behind and is no longer maintained.

sparsely populated

Describes an area with very few residents, emphasizing the low density of people.

thinly peopled

Similar to sparsely populated, but with a more literary or descriptive tone, emphasizing the scattered presence of people.

scarcely any people

Highlights the extreme lack of individuals present, emphasizing the rarity of seeing anyone.

almost no one around

Informal way to express near-emptiness, focuses on the absence of people in the immediate vicinity.

close to desolate

Conveys a sense of bleakness and isolation, suggesting the place is almost completely devoid of life and activity.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually deserted" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually deserted" to describe a place that is almost empty. For example, "The beach was "virtually deserted" after the storm".

What's a good alternative to "virtually deserted"?

Alternatives include "almost empty", "nearly vacant", or "largely unoccupied", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'completely deserted' instead of "virtually deserted"?

While 'completely deserted' implies total abandonment, "virtually deserted" suggests a state of near-emptiness. The choice depends on the degree of emptiness you want to emphasize.

What does "virtually deserted" imply beyond just being empty?

Beyond simple emptiness, "virtually deserted" can suggest a sense of abandonment, isolation, or perhaps even a slightly eerie atmosphere, depending on the context.