Confused Words: Hollow, Empty vs. Vacant

Hello dear learners! In today’s lesson, we’ll clarify the differences between the words “Hollow,” “Empty,” and “Vacant.” Despite their similarities, these words have distinct usages and connotations in English. Let’s unravel the mystery together!

Hollow

“Hollow” (IPA: /ˈhɒləʊ/) refers to something that is empty on the inside, typically a three-dimensional object. It’s often used for objects with a significant thickness.

Here are 10 examples:

1. The chocolate Easter bunny was hollow inside. (The chocolate bunny had no filling)
2. She knocked on the wall, and it sounded hollow. (The wall sounded empty when she knocked on it)
3. They discovered a hollow tree in the forest. (They found a tree with an empty inside)
4. He carved the hollow pumpkin to make a Halloween lantern. (He carved the empty pumpkin)
5. The hollow tube was lightweight. (The empty tube was light)
6. The hollow statue was easier to transport. (The empty statue was easier to move)
7. The echo in the hollow cave was loud. (The echo in the empty cave was loud)
8. The hollow log was home to a family of squirrels. (The empty log housed squirrels)
9. The hollow pipe was perfect for the project. (The empty pipe was perfect)
10. Her promise seemed hollow to him. (Her promise seemed insincere)

Empty

“Empty” (IPA: /ˈɛmpti/) is a more general term and can refer to anything that contains nothing.

Here are 10 examples:

1. The glass is empty. (The glass has nothing in it)
2. She felt an empty sadness. (She felt a profound sadness)
3. He found the box was empty. (He discovered the box had nothing inside)
4. The room was empty of furniture. (The room had no furniture)
5. Her empty threats didn’t scare me. (Her meaningless threats didn’t scare me)
6. The street was empty at night. (The street had no people at night)
7. His words felt empty. (His words felt meaningless)
8. The bus was nearly empty. (The bus had very few people)
9. The jar was empty. (The jar had nothing in it)
10. The refrigerator is empty. (The refrigerator has no food)

Vacant

“Vacant” (IPA: /ˈveɪkənt/) is used to describe something that is unoccupied, like a position or a place.

Here are 10 examples:

1. The vacant lot was filled with weeds. (The unoccupied lot was filled with weeds)
2. She took the vacant seat. (She took the unoccupied seat)
3. The vacant stare on his face worried her. (The empty look on his face worried her)
4. The building has been vacant for years. (The building has been unoccupied)
5. The vacant position was filled quickly. (The unoccupied position was quickly filled)
6. The house looked vacant. (The house looked unoccupied)
7. The apartment is vacant. (The apartment is unoccupied)
8. The vacant storefront is a sign of the struggling economy. (The empty storefront reflects economic struggle)
9. The vacant parking spot was finally hers. (The unoccupied parking spot was finally hers)
10. The vacant expression on her face showed her shock. (Her shocked face was empty of expression)

Conclusion

Now, you should have a clearer understanding of the differences between “Hollow,” “Empty,” and “Vacant.” “Hollow” refers to an empty inside space, “Empty” can refer to anything that contains nothing, and “Vacant” is used to describe an unoccupied space or position. Keep these nuances in mind to sharpen your English skills!