a complete absence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete absence of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the total lack of something in a particular context. Example: "The report highlighted a complete absence of evidence to support the claims made by the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A complete absence of Isis.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

People with a complete absence of self-restraint".

The Guardian - Opinion

("Enemy Women" affects a complete absence of quotation marks).

The New York Times - Books

The result was a complete absence of fertilization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps most surprising, though, is a complete absence of anger or frustration.

The Guardian - Music

"In fact, there's a complete absence of the sort of theatre we are doing.

The Guardian

"That I miss him very much," Regina says with a complete absence of conviction.

The New York Times

Football coaches and fans alike have long been renowned for a complete absence of perspective.

The Guardian - Sport

The committee found a complete "absence of method" in the investigations, the report said.

The New York Times

And it has other uncouth features like a complete absence of glamour, swagger or religious uplift.

The New York Times - Food

Plenty of playful banter and repartee, but a complete absence of malice.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete absence of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations. For instance, "There was a complete absence of evidence" is more effective than simply stating, "There was absence."

Common error

Avoid using "a complete absence of" in contexts where the absence is already implied. For example, instead of saying "a complete absence of any noise", consider using "complete silence" or "total quiet" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete absence of" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It indicates the total lack of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete absence of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the total lack of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources. While it's generally acceptable, it's important to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "a total lack of" or "a dearth of" for variety, but recognize that "complete absence" often conveys a strong emphasis. Pay attention to the context to ensure the phrase is used effectively and avoid overuse in redundant phrases. Its frequent use across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources highlights its versatility and acceptance in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total lack of

Emphasizes the absolute non-existence of something, similar to the original phrase.

a complete lack of

Very similar to the original, but uses "lack" instead of "absence".

an utter absence of

Replaces "complete" with "utter" to intensify the feeling of absence.

a total absence of

Emphasizes totality, mirroring the effect of "complete".

a dearth of

More concise and formal; indicates a scarcity or lack.

a scarcity of

Focuses on the insufficient quantity of something.

a void of

Suggests an empty space or absence.

an absence of

A simpler, less emphatic version of the original phrase.

nothing of

An informal way of expressing the lack of something.

a want of

Indicates a deficiency or need.

FAQs

What does "a complete absence of" mean?

The phrase "a complete absence of" signifies a total lack or non-existence of something. It emphasizes that something is entirely missing or not present.

How can I use "a complete absence of" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete absence of" to describe the lack of a particular quality, feature, or item. For example, "The investigation revealed "a complete absence of" evidence linking the suspect to the crime."

What are some alternatives to "a complete absence of"?

Alternatives to "a complete absence of" include "a total lack of", "an utter absence of", "a dearth of", or simply "an absence of", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a complete absence of"?

While "absence" already implies a lack, adding "complete" can emphasize the totality of the lack. Whether it's redundant depends on the context; sometimes the emphasis is useful, but other times a simpler phrase like "an absence of" is sufficient.