a lack of communication

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lack of communication" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used whenever there is a situation where there is a failure or absence of communication between people. Example: The project failed due to a lack of communication between team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Haverty complained about a lack of communication between Time Warner and the investment community lately.

The New York Times

It was a lack of communication".

The Guardian

"There has been a lack of communication," she said.

The New York Times

It was more than a lack of communication.

The New York Times - Sports

It has to do with a lack of communication.

The New York Times

"There was a lack of communication," she said.

The New York Times - Health

We were as good as Biarritz, it was just a lack of communication at the end".

The Guardian - Sport

There was a lack of communication on his part and he displayed poor judgment".

The New York Times - Sports

"There's such a lack of communication between companies and consumers in this industry," he said.

The New York Times

But he rejected any suggestion that a lack of communication had contributed to the problems.

The New York Times

One was a lack of communication among the surgeons, anesthesiologist and circulating nurse.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project failures or interpersonal conflicts, use "a lack of communication" to pinpoint the absence of necessary dialogue or information sharing. This clearly identifies a root cause that can be addressed through improved communication strategies.

Common error

Avoid substituting "a lack of communication" with overly vague terms like "issues" or "problems". Be specific about the absence of communication to highlight the need for direct and open dialogue, rather than generalized problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lack of communication" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and names the absence of effective information exchange. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lack of communication" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase that pinpoints the absence of effective information exchange. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's applicable in numerous contexts, from formal business reports to everyday news. Its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles. To ensure clarity, use this phrase specifically when referring to the absence of dialogue or information sharing, rather than using vague terms. Explore related phrases like "communication breakdown" or "failure to communicate" to add nuance to your writing, and follow the best practices outlined in this guide to avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication breakdown

Emphasizes a failure in the process of communication, suggesting a more abrupt or disruptive cessation.

failure to communicate

Highlights the act of failing to establish communication, placing blame or responsibility.

poor communication

Indicates that communication exists but is of low quality or ineffective.

absence of communication

Focuses on the complete non-existence of communication.

breakdown in communication

Similar to "communication breakdown" but can refer to a more gradual decay in communicative effectiveness.

communication gap

Highlights a disparity or disconnect between parties that hinders effective communication.

secrecy

Indicates the act of keeping information hidden, rather than merely a failure to communicate.

misunderstanding

Emphasizes incorrect interpretation of information rather than the absence of information exchange.

disconnect

Implies a lack of connection or alignment, which can lead to reduced communication.

no contact

Refers specifically to the absence of physical or digital contact.

FAQs

How can I use "a lack of communication" in a sentence?

You can use "a lack of communication" to describe situations where information isn't being shared effectively. For example, "The project failed due to "a lack of communication" between team members".

What are some alternatives to "a lack of communication"?

Alternatives include "communication breakdown", "failure to communicate", or "poor communication", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack of communication" or "a lack of communication"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a lack of communication" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural in many contexts. The article "a" emphasizes that it's one instance or type of lack.

What causes "a lack of communication" in a team?

"A lack of communication" can stem from various issues, such as poor leadership, unclear roles, or inadequate channels for information sharing. Addressing these underlying causes is crucial for improving team dynamics.