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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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absent from the pew

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And now Miss Macaluso is absent from the pew.

News & Media

The New York Times

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].

Absent from the pitch?

News & Media

The New York Times

Absent from the list: daily flossing.

News & Media

Independent

Economic growth seems absent from the equation.

News & Media

The New York Times

(Two members were absent from the vote).

News & Media

The New York Times

Both are absent from the east.

They're absent from the movie, too.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Campers are notably absent from the book.

News & Media

The New York Times

Ideology was largely absent from the rowing.

News & Media

The Economist

They were absent from the collection.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Rare

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: