In their absence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In their absence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a situation or condition that occurs when someone or something is not present. Example: "The meeting will proceed as planned, even in their absence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In their absence, classes would be canceled.

The New York Times

In their absence, the occupants are observable.

The New Yorker

In their absence, their ant specimens escaped.

The New York Times

In their absence, O'Hara does his best.

The Guardian

In their absence, myocardial depression is readily apparent.

Stanford University

In their absence, however, is a significant new partner.

The New York Times

In their absence, the sex talk has turned simpering.

The New York Times - Books

In their absence, the Heat erased a 10-point deficit.

The New York Times - Sports

In their absence, judges can offer little relief.

The New York Times

In their absence, the island fell out of vogue.

The New York Times

In their absence, the American Embassy in Lusaka took up their defense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their absence" to clearly indicate a consequence or action that occurs specifically because someone or something is not present. This helps create a direct cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in their absence" when you simply mean 'they were not there'. The phrase carries an implication that their absence has a specific consequence or impact. Otherwise, simpler phrasing is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In their absence" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the circumstances under which an action occurs or a state exists. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate conditions resulting from someone or something not being present. Ludwig's examples show it typically introduces a consequence or a contrasting situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "In their absence" is a versatile phrase used to denote consequences or altered conditions resulting from someone or something not being present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various writing styles. It is frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship. Alternatives such as "during their absence" or "without them present" can offer similar meaning with slight variation and emphasis. Avoid using the phrase simply to state someone's non-presence without implying a specific impact. It's important to always create a direct connection between the absence and the resulting effect to properly convey this useful phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

During their absence

Highlights the time period when someone or something is not present.

In the absence of them

Formal and slightly more emphatic way to express the lack of presence.

Without them present

Emphasizes the lack of presence as a condition.

In their stead

Focuses on a replacement or substitute taking over.

Lacking their presence

Focuses on the deficiency caused by their non-existence.

In default of their presence

More formal and legalistic alternative.

Upon their departure

Emphasizes the act of leaving, leading to the absence.

Following their leaving

Similar to 'After they left' but slightly more formal.

After they left

Simple, direct way to express a time sequence leading to absence.

When they are not around

Informal and general way to refer to their absence.

FAQs

How can I use "In their absence" in a sentence?

Use "In their absence" to indicate that something happens or changes because someone or something is not present. For example, "In their absence, the team struggled to maintain its performance."

What are some alternatives to "In their absence"?

You can use alternatives like "during their absence", "without them present", or "in their stead" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "During their absence" instead of "In their absence"?

"During their absence" is a grammatically correct alternative and can be used to emphasize the time period when someone is not present, while "In their absence" emphasizes the consequence of their being away.

What's the difference between "In their absence" and "Absent them"?

"In their absence" is a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being away, whereas "Absent them" is grammatically incorrect. It's better to rephrase using options like "without them" or "they were absent".