absent from school

USAGE SUMMARY

'absent from school' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone who is not attending school, either for a certain period of time or permanently. For example: "The student has been absent from school since last week due to illness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are never absent from school".

The Guardian

She said media literacy was mostly absent from school curriculums.

The New York Times

The teenager, now aged 15, has been absent from school for a year.

The Guardian - Tech

When they are absent from school, they can also find some of their homework assignments online.

The New York Times

But throughout the developing world teachers on the public payroll are often absent from school.

The Economist

Three million are absent from school each month because they feel unsafe there.

University of California, Berkeley

Hungry children tend to be sicker, absent from school more often and more prone to getting into more trouble.

The Washington Post

She had been drawn away from work when she received a call saying Delia was absent from school.

The New Yorker

Omar had been absent from school since Oct. 9, Schools Chancellor Joel I.Klein told reporters at the news conference.

The New York Times

In the fall of 2000, the city's Administration for Children's Services learned that Tenia was frequently absent from school.

The New York Times

But the three-mile round trip means students are absent from school and potential classes for up to an hour.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absent from school", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for absence, whether it's due to illness, truancy, or other circumstances. This helps avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "absence in school" when you mean a student is not attending. "Absence in school" typically refers to a lack of something, like resources or support, within the school environment, not a student's physical absence. Use "absent from school" to specifically indicate non-attendance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absent from school" functions primarily as a modifier, describing the state of a student or individual in relation to their school attendance. It indicates that the person is not present at their educational institution. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absent from school" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the state of being away from school. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and the analysis indicates it commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to provide context regarding the reason for absence to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "away from school" or "not attending school" offer slight nuances in meaning. When writing, be mindful not to confuse it with terms describing conditions within a school, and clarify the reason behind the absence for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing school

This implies that the student's absence is noted and potentially problematic.

not in school

This is a simple and direct way to state the student's absence.

not attending school

This alternative is a straightforward and neutral way to state that someone is not present at school.

away from school

This phrase is a more general way of saying someone is not at school, without necessarily implying truancy or a specific reason.

out of school

This phrase indicates a temporary or permanent state of being outside the school environment.

off school

This phrase, more common in British English, signifies a temporary absence, often due to illness.

not present at school

This is a formal and explicit way of stating the absence.

staying away from school

Implies a deliberate act of avoidance, suggesting reluctance or a negative reason for the absence.

skipping school

This suggests the absence is intentional and without permission, also known as truancy.

playing truant

A more formal and specifically British way of saying someone is skipping school without permission.

FAQs

What are common reasons a student might be "absent from school"?

Students can be "absent from school" due to various reasons, including illness, family emergencies, appointments, truancy, or school-related activities. The specific reason often influences how the absence is addressed.

Is it better to say "away from school" or "absent from school"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "absent from school" typically implies a more formal or official recognition of the absence. "Away from school" can be more general and might not necessarily indicate an excused or documented absence.

What is the difference between "absent from school" and "skipping school"?

"Absent from school" is a neutral term indicating non-attendance. "Skipping school", also known as truancy, implies the absence is intentional and without permission, often suggesting a disciplinary issue.

How can I use "absent from school" in a formal sentence?

In a formal context, you might say, "The student has been absent from school for three consecutive days due to a documented illness." This provides a clear and professional explanation for the absence.