In mathematics, we might have a statement:
For all x in S, we have P(x)
where S is a set, the domain of quantification that may or may not be empty.
Classical first-order logic is a little weird in that every domain of quantification is assumed to be non-empty. It simply isn't necessary. I guess this assumption makes it possible to introduce free variables by universal specification when required-- something you cannotdo not usually do in mathematics. In most mathematical proofs, free variables are introduced either by a premise or by existential specification (instantiation).