a missing son

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a missing son" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is referring to a son who is unaccounted for or has disappeared. Example: "The family is devastated after the news of a missing son was reported in the local news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Karu Modu, 28, has a missing son – he was shot by the militants – and a missing husband: they slit his throat.

The Guardian

Many families, each desperate to recover a missing son, clamour to claim him as theirs.

The Guardian

During the opera she learns that the body of Michael, a missing son, has been discovered; then Bartley, her last surviving son, also dies.

The New York Times - Arts

M. Jaysukhlalani, an accountant and father of a missing son, waited at the end of the line next to an ambulance.

The New York Times

Then there's an empty frame, a blank, gray portrait of a missing son, and we hear Nick's voiceover explain that he and Susie have chosen – in the end – to be happy as an act of revenge.

The Guardian - Music

Two men oversaw the project: Both are named Fernando and both have a missing son.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Photo: Abdul Ghaffar, 70, bicycling yesterday in Islambad, the Pakistani capital, with a painting of his missing son, Abdul Sattar.

The New York Times

Angelina Jolie stars as a woman reunited with her missing son only to realize he is an impostor.

Wikipedia

A meditative movie about a father's search for his missing son, "Siddharth" is part of the Toronto International Film Festival's lineup this year, after playing at the Venice Film Festival.

The New York Times

His departure was followed by imploring letters from a mother worried about her missing son.

The New York Times

Mr. Reveron's father, an usher for the Cleveland Indians and a former city councilman in Lorain, followed Mr. Figura's instructions to use Namus to give a fuller profile of his missing son.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a missing son", ensure the context clearly indicates a search or concern for the son's well-being. Providing additional details about the circumstances of the disappearance can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a missing son" in contexts where 'missing' could be misinterpreted as simply 'absent'. If the son is temporarily away, clarify that he is not lost or endangered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a missing son" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "missing" acts as an adjective modifying "son". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, as seen in Ludwig's examples, often expressing a state of concern or search.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a missing son" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a son who is lost or has disappeared. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and context to avoid misinterpretations. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "a lost son" or "a son who disappeared", each carrying slightly different connotations. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most appropriate expression for the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lost son

Replaces 'missing' with 'lost', emphasizing the state of being gone or not found.

a son who disappeared

Rephrases the concept using a relative clause, focusing on the action of disappearing.

a son gone missing

Inverts the structure, highlighting the action of going missing.

a son unaccounted for

Replaces 'missing' with 'unaccounted for', adding a formal tone.

an absent son

Uses 'absent' to describe the son's state, suggesting a more general lack of presence.

a son who has vanished

Emphasizes the suddenness of the disappearance with the word 'vanished'.

a son whose whereabouts are unknown

States directly that the son's location is not known, providing a detailed alternative.

a son who is not found

Focuses on the ongoing search and the lack of finding the son.

a son nowhere to be found

Emphasizes the inability to locate the son, adding a sense of desperation.

a displaced son

Implies the son has been forcibly removed or has left his home.

FAQs

What does "a missing son" mean?

The phrase "a missing son" refers to a son who is lost, has disappeared, or whose whereabouts are unknown, typically implying a sense of concern or active search.

What can I say instead of "a missing son"?

You can use alternatives like "a lost son", "a son who disappeared", or "a son unaccounted for" depending on the context.

How do I use "a missing son" in a sentence?

You can use it as in: "The family is deeply concerned about their "a missing son"" or "The police are investigating the case of "a missing son"."

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a missing son" in formal writing?

Yes, "a missing son" is appropriate in formal writing as it is a clear and direct way to describe a son who is lost or has disappeared. Its usage depends on the context and tone of the writing.