void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is null, empty, or lacking substance, often in legal or formal documents. Example: "The contract was deemed void due to the lack of signatures from both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in February, there are worries about how the Lib Dems will perform in Oldham East and Saddleworth, where a byelection will be held after a court found the election result, which went in favour of Labour's Phil Woolas, to be void.

The Guardian

With more than one in seven high street stores already lying empty, property experts do not expect the rapacious growth of food chains to fill that void.

The Guardian - Business

I'd grown up with that dog, it had died almost in front of me, yet I was void of feeling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After the melancholy party had stayed there for some time, Monsieur Tournevau remarked: 'This isn't very cheerful, is it?' Unable to lose themselves in carnality and frolics, the men must confront reality, which Maupassant presents as a yawning void filled with monotonous echoes.

The Guardian - Books

In another of the series she depicts a void in the mother's abdomen, where the infant had been.

The Guardian - Arts

Perhaps it was a bold, metaphorical design statement - a woman, uncertain of her role as wife, madonna and whore, expressing her sexuality by hurling the trappings of her repressed womanhood across the void into the 21st century.

The Guardian

He added: "Police officers are well-versed in being used as social and health workers, but locking up people isn't the answer and we are just not able to step into the void where we have before.

The Guardian

There wasn't a void at all, because so many people had been mentored in prison.

The Guardian

Gary Barlow might have thought he was doing David Cameron an enormous favour by hovering his tornado-sized charisma void over the Conservative campaign in 2010, but the scale of Barlow's tax avoidance has repeatedly come along to kick Cameron in the arse in the years since then.

The Guardian

So what do we have to fill the void?

The Guardian - Opinion

It confirmed she had taxed the vehicle, but that the previous owner had untaxed it rendering her payment void.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "void" in legal contexts, ensure it accurately reflects the condition of being null and without legal effect. Precise language is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "void" as a general synonym for "empty" or "lacking" in casual conversation. While technically correct, it often sounds overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "empty" or "without" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The word "void" functions as a noun, adjective, or verb, depending on the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It describes something that is empty, invalid, or lacking substance. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Arts

14%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "void" is a versatile word functioning as a noun, adjective, or verb, primarily used to denote emptiness, invalidity, or absence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across different contexts. While commonly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral to formal register, especially in legal or official settings. Understanding its various applications and appropriate contexts is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invalid

Specifically refers to something that is not legally or officially recognized.

devoid

Stresses the absence of something that might be expected or desired.

annulled

Implies the act of making something legally void or ineffective.

empty space

Emphasizes the physical absence of content within a defined area.

vacant

Indicates a state of being unoccupied or unfilled.

vacuum

Highlights the complete absence of matter or substance.

vacancy

Highlights the presence of an available or unfilled position or space.

nullity

Focuses on the state of being legally or effectively non-existent.

emptiness

Conveys a sense of lacking emotional or spiritual fulfillment.

nothingness

Emphasizes the complete lack of existence or substance.

FAQs

How is "void" used in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "void" means something is not legally binding or enforceable. For example, a contract might be declared "void" if it doesn't meet legal requirements.

What's the difference between "void" and "null"?

"Void" often implies that something was initially valid but is now without legal effect, while "null" suggests something was never valid from the beginning. They are similar, but the nuance lies in the origin of the invalidity.

Which is correct, "void of" or "devoid of"?

"Devoid of" is the correct and more common phrasing. While "void of" is technically correct, it's less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward in contemporary English. You can say instead "lacking".

What are some synonyms for "void" when referring to emptiness?

When referring to emptiness, you can use synonyms such as "empty space", "vacuum", or "emptiness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.