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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
As empty as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "as empty as a" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English
This phrase is used to describe something that is completely or nearly empty. For example, you could say "His desk was as empty as a desert."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Academia
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
24 human-written examples
"It was as empty as a sarcophagus".
News & Media
The tinderbox as empty as a train at 5 a.m.
News & Media
Today, John's Restaurant was as empty as a freeholders meeting.
News & Media
"How did he threaten you?" My voice was as empty as a parrot's.
News & Media
By then the ship's decks are as empty as a drive-in theater after the final credits.
News & Media
Christopher Gray is right in describing the Manhattan Bridge walkway [Streetscapes, Jan . 18] "often as empty as a Kansas prairie".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
"There is nothing as empty as an empty hotel," he remarked.
News & Media
But all I "see" is as white as a polar bear and as empty as an iceberg.
News & Media
On the other hand, I think that the real artistic middlebrow is ubiquitous and central and that contempt for it is tantamount to (and as empty as) an adolescent repugnance for the "bourgeois". Many of the greatest novels are middlebrow.
News & Media
On the other hand, I think that the real artistic middlebrow is ubiquitous and central — and that contempt for it is tantamount to (and as empty as) an adolescent repugnance for the "bourgeois".
News & Media
On the other hand, I think that the real artistic middlebrow is ubiquitous and central and that contempt for it is tantamount to (and as empty as) an adolescent repugnance for the "bourgeois".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using the phrase "as empty as a", ensure the comparison object (e.g., room, promise, threat) effectively communicates the intended level of emptiness or lack of substance. Choose an object that your audience will readily associate with emptiness in the given context.
⚠ Common error
Avoid pairing "as empty as a" with overused comparisons such as "ghost town" or "broken promise" if the aim is to create a more original or impactful image. Instead, consider fresh analogies, like "as empty as a politician's conscience".
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "as empty as a" is to serve as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by describing its state of emptiness in relation to another object or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.
Expression frequency: Common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
62%
Formal & Business
12%
Academia
12%
⚠ Less common in
Wiki
8%
Science
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "as empty as a" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase used to describe the emptiness of something. According to Ludwig, the structure is correct. It appears frequently in News & Media sources. When using "as empty as a", it's beneficial to choose a comparison that is both relevant and evocative to create a stronger image for the reader. While the phrase is common and useful, avoid overuse of clichés to maintain originality in writing.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
as vacant as a
This alternative focuses on the absence of occupation or content, shifting from physical emptiness to a sense of unoccupied space or mind.
as hollow as a
This conveys a sense of emptiness combined with a lack of substance or sincerity, adding a layer of meaning beyond mere absence.
as devoid as a
This alternative emphasizes a complete absence of something expected or desired, highlighting a deficiency.
completely empty like a
This option uses a more descriptive approach, explicitly stating the state of being empty and then using "like a" to introduce a comparison.
utterly empty like a
By adding "utterly", this alternative intensifies the degree of emptiness, making it a stronger expression.
as bare as a
This emphasizes a lack of covering or ornamentation, suitable when describing a space or object lacking adornment.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "as empty as a" in a sentence?
You can use "as empty as a" to describe something that lacks content, substance, or meaning. For example, "The stadium was "as empty as a ghost town" after the game".
What are some alternatives to "as empty as a"?
Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "as hollow as a", "as vacant as a", or "as bare as a".
Is it grammatically correct to use "as empty as a"?
Yes, "as empty as a" is grammatically correct and a common construction used for making comparisons.
What's the difference between "as empty as a" and "completely empty"?
"As empty as a" implies a comparison to something else that is typically considered empty, while "completely empty" is a more direct statement of emptiness without a specific comparison. The phrase is more evocative because relies on the readers capacity to create a connection.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested