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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
absent from the pew
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "absent from the pew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not present in a church setting, particularly in relation to attending a service. Example: "During the Sunday service, many noticed that she was absent from the pew, raising concerns about her well-being."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
missed the meeting
absent from the equation
absent from the show
absent from the dinner
absent from the campaign
absent from the interview
was not present at the meeting
absent from the discussion
absent from the meeting
did not make it to the meeting
absent from the forum
absent from the sequel
absent from the election
absent from the screen
absent from the conference
failed to attend the meeting
absent from the report
absent from the meetings
absent from the assembly
did not attend the meeting
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
And now Miss Macaluso is absent from the pew.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The questionnaire item regarding computer acceptability was adapted from the Pew Internet Tracking Project [ 13].
Science
Absent from the pitch?
News & Media
Absent from the list: daily flossing.
News & Media
Economic growth seems absent from the equation.
News & Media
(Two members were absent from the vote).
News & Media
Both are absent from the east.
Encyclopedias
They're absent from the movie, too.
News & Media
Campers are notably absent from the book.
News & Media
Ideology was largely absent from the rowing.
News & Media
They were absent from the collection.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "absent from the pew", ensure the context clearly relates to church attendance or a similar religious setting. Avoid using it in unrelated situations, as it may sound out of place.
Common error
Avoid using "absent from the pew" to describe general absences. It specifically refers to non-attendance at a church service. For broader contexts, use phrases like "missing from the meeting" or "not present at the event".
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "absent from the pew" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating the absence of someone from a specific location within a church setting. Ludwig's examples show its use in news reporting, describing someone's non-attendance.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "absent from the pew" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe someone's absence from a church service. While not a frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate and effective in contexts where church attendance is relevant. The primary source for its usage is news media, where it's used to report or note the absence of individuals from religious services. When considering alternatives, phrases like "missing from church" or "not in attendance at mass" can be suitable depending on the desired level of formality and context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
missing from church
This alternative directly states the individual was not at the church service.
not in attendance at mass
This specifies the religious service the person was not present at.
not present in the congregation
This emphasizes the person's absence from the group of worshippers.
did not attend services
This is a general statement of non-attendance.
was not seen at worship
This focuses on the observation of the person's absence.
failed to appear for the sermon
This specifies the part of the service the person missed.
skipped the religious gathering
This implies a deliberate choice not to attend.
was away from the chapel
This uses a different term for the place of worship.
took leave from the service
This suggests a temporary absence.
was non-attending
This is a more formal and concise way of stating absence.
FAQs
How can I use "absent from the pew" in a sentence?
You can use "absent from the pew" to describe someone who is not present during a church service. For example: "Many noticed she was "absent from the pew" during the Sunday service."
What's a less formal way to say "absent from the pew"?
Less formal alternatives include "missing from church" or "didn't go to church".
Which is correct, "absent from the pew" or "absent of the pew"?
"Absent from the pew" is the correct phrasing. "Absent of the pew" is not grammatically correct in this context.
What does it mean to be "absent from the pew"?
To be "absent from the pew" means that someone is not present at their usual place in church during a service. It implies a deviation from their regular attendance.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested