absent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "absent" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe someone or something that is physically or figuratively missing, or to refer to something that is not present or included. Example sentence: The absent students were marked tardy on the attendance list.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blind man is walking in front of a car and you do not have a duty to stop him absent some relation between you.

The New York Times

"To hold it in a context where some basic fundamental rights are markedly absent, indeed, denied to the population, is to commit a travesty".

The New York Times

Pop mogul Cowell will be absent from the judging lineup when the X Factor returns to the small screen for its 10th year on Saturday night.

The Guardian

It would be far-fetched to describe the US and Britain's long-term relationship with Saudi Arabia as a love affair, although elements of romance, blind infatuation and lustful mutual gratification have never been entirely absent.

The Guardian

Del Nero's departure means that four of the 25 members of Fifa's executive committee will now be absent when they meet on Saturday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is another kind of support which has been even more conspicuously absent: the proposal of any feasible strategy for breaking the deadlock.

The Guardian

Noticing the cramps and moans of my peers, my absent period appeared to be a blessing of genetics.

The Guardian

Tsotie's habitual warm smile is notably absent as she talks about the erstwhile occupant of room number six.

The Guardian

On the doorstep, Coppard paints a picture of Clegg as an absent MP more concerned with cosying up to Cameron than fighting for his constituents.

The Guardian

I went to an all-boys comprehensive, a school where academic achievement was viewed with suspicion and where girls, with their civilising influence and nicer smells, were absent altogether.

The Guardian

They were absent from my childhood but I heard one just now, mewing in the sky high above my home, a symbol that some changes in the countryside are for the better.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absent" to describe a lack of something, ensure clarity by specifying what is missing. For example, instead of saying 'The plan was absent', specify 'The plan was absent of detail'.

Common error

Avoid using "absent" as a verb when a more appropriate verb exists, such as "remove" or "withdraw". "He absented himself" is grammatically correct but can often sound stilted compared to "He removed himself".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "absent" is as an adjective, describing a state of being away, missing, or lacking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It can also function as a preposition meaning 'without'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absent" functions primarily as an adjective to denote the state of being away, missing, or lacking. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate in diverse contexts. As an adjective, it's mostly located in News & Media context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, adaptable to both formal and informal settings, and is frequently employed across various authoritative sources. Understanding its correct application and potential alternatives enhances clarity and precision in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not present

Indicates a simple lack of presence at a specific location or event.

away from

Emphasizes the act of being physically removed or distant.

lacking

Highlights the absence of a necessary quality or component.

missing in action

Specifically implies being lost or unaccounted for, often in a context of conflict or emergency.

unavailable

Suggests that someone or something is not accessible or reachable.

not in attendance

Formally states that someone did not participate in a meeting or event.

conspicuously missing

Draws attention to the notable absence of something or someone.

nowhere to be found

Emphasizes the impossibility of locating someone or something.

not visible

Highlights the physical absence of something from sight.

out of sight

Suggests that someone or something is no longer within one's field of vision.

FAQs

How can I use "absent" in a sentence?

"Absent" can be used to describe someone or something that is not present, like "The teacher marked the absent students" or to describe a lack of something, like "The policy was absent of any clear guidelines."

What are some alternatives to using "absent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "not present", "missing", "lacking", or "unavailable".

Is it correct to say "absent from" or "absent of"?

Both "absent from" and "absent of" are acceptable, but "absent from" is more commonly used when referring to a place or event, while "absent of" is often used to indicate a lack of something.

What is the difference between "absence" and "absent"?

"Absence" is a noun that refers to the state of being away or lacking, while "absent" is an adjective describing something or someone that is not present or available.