diff --git a/compiler/rustc_middle/src/ty/mod.rs b/compiler/rustc_middle/src/ty/mod.rs
index ef7626a054f..4e1baaec39e 100644
--- a/compiler/rustc_middle/src/ty/mod.rs
+++ b/compiler/rustc_middle/src/ty/mod.rs
@@ -1034,9 +1034,11 @@ fn new(ui: UniverseIndex, var: BoundVar) -> Self {
     }
 }
 
-/// When type checking, we use the `ParamEnv` to track
-/// details about the set of where-clauses that are in scope at this
-/// particular point.
+/// When interacting with the type system we must provide information about the
+/// environment. `ParamEnv` is the type that represents this information. See the
+/// [dev guide chapter][param_env_guide] for more information.
+///
+/// [param_env_guide]: https://rustc-dev-guide.rust-lang.org/param_env/param_env_summary.html
 #[derive(Copy, Clone, Hash, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct ParamEnv<'tcx> {
     /// This packs both caller bounds and the reveal enum into one pointer.
@@ -1103,8 +1105,11 @@ fn visit_with<V: TypeVisitor<TyCtxt<'tcx>>>(&self, visitor: &mut V) -> V::Result
 impl<'tcx> ParamEnv<'tcx> {
     /// Construct a trait environment suitable for contexts where
     /// there are no where-clauses in scope. Hidden types (like `impl
-    /// Trait`) are left hidden, so this is suitable for ordinary
-    /// type-checking.
+    /// Trait`) are left hidden. In majority of cases it is incorrect
+    /// to use an empty environment. See the [dev guide section][param_env_guide]
+    /// for information on what a `ParamEnv` is and how to acquire one.
+    ///
+    /// [param_env_guide]: https://rustc-dev-guide.rust-lang.org/param_env/param_env_summary.html
     #[inline]
     pub fn empty() -> Self {
         Self::new(List::empty(), Reveal::UserFacing)