absence from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence from" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone is not present at an event, place, or activity. For example: "I was disappointed by David's absence from the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Explaining Adele's absence from the list.

Independent

Absence from unit.

Cornell University

Its absence from his side is conspicuous.

The New York Times

Garvin's absence from the stage wasn't entirely by choice.

The New Yorker

One surprising absence from her world-view is feminism.

The Guardian - Books

The relay has one noticeable absence from 2000, Anthony Ervin.

The New York Times - Sports

That might account for Meyer's absence from the list.

The Guardian - Books

But he played down Bryant's absence from training camp.

The New York Times - Sports

His absence from the Travers would be a marketer's nightmare.

The New York Times - Sports

Her absence from the stage would be palpable.

The New Yorker

Now let's consider Intel's complete absence from the mobile scene.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absence from", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lacked. For example, specify "absence from the meeting" rather than just "absence".

Common error

Avoid using "absence from" interchangeably with terms like "lack of" when a more precise term like "omission from" is more suitable. "Absence from" specifically implies a physical or expected presence, while "lack of" is more general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence from" functions as a prepositional phrase that often acts as an adjectival modifier or adverbial modifier, describing a noun or verb by indicating a lack of presence or participation. Ludwig confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence from" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to denote a lack of presence or participation, as confirmed by Ludwig. With a very common frequency, it's frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While seemingly straightforward, its correct application lies in clearly specifying the context of what is being lacked. As indicated by Ludwig, "absence from" is appropriate for use in various registers, ranging from neutral to formal, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Be aware of potential overlaps with related terms, such as "lack of" or "omission from", to ensure the most precise word choice. By using "absence from" correctly, you can effectively and accurately convey the absence or non-participation of something or someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of presence in

Emphasizes the physical or virtual non-existence or non-attendance in a specific place or situation.

non-attendance at

Specifically refers to not being present at an event or location, often implying a scheduled event.

non-participation in

Highlights the lack of involvement or engagement in an activity.

failure to appear at

Highlights a missed obligation or expectation to be present.

unavailability for

Indicates not being accessible or ready for a particular purpose or event.

exclusion from

Indicates being kept out or not allowed to participate.

omission from

Focuses on something being left out or not included.

exemption from

Implies being excused or freed from a requirement or duty.

exile from

Suggests a forced or prolonged separation from a place or group.

devoid of

Emphasizes a complete lack of something, often an abstract quality.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "absence from" in a sentence?

Use "absence from" to indicate a lack of presence or participation. For example, "His absence from the ceremony was noted" or "The team suffered from the absence from their star player".

What are some alternatives to using "absence from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lack of presence", "non-attendance", or "omission from".

Is it better to say "absence from" or "missing from"?

Both "absence from" and "missing from" can be correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Absence from" implies a usual or expected presence, while "missing from" simply states that something is not there. The choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use "leave of absence from" instead of just "absence from"?

"Leave of absence from" refers specifically to an authorized period of absence, typically from work or school. Use it when the absence is officially sanctioned, otherwise, use "absence from" for general instances of being away.