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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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actions that lack

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actions that lack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behaviors or activities that are missing a certain quality, characteristic, or element. Example: "The report highlighted actions that lack transparency, which can lead to mistrust among stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This chaotic reaction to terror leads to actions that lack a rational beginning, middle and end.

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Union leaders have relied on mandates for action that lack authority – the National Union of Teachers ballot was run nearly two years ago, while other ballots had extremely low turnouts".

News & Media

The Guardian

But Westin added he believes any action that Lack takes on Williams won't be based on friendship.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

The French are particularly opposed to any action that lacks UN backing.

News & Media

The Economist

At 23, he still has a lot of work to do on an action that lacks the energy through the crease that generates the dip, spin and bounce that characterised his opposite number's work.

What he's ended up with is a too-clever-by-half pushmi-pullyu holding action that lacks both a credible exit strategy and the commitment of its two most essential partners, a legitimate Afghan government and the American people.

News & Media

The New York Times

Any action that lacks love for one's fellowman and all life cannot lay claim to God.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Estradiol binding was demonstrated in MCF-10A cell membrane fractions and may explain the estradiol action in these cells that lack intracellular ER.

Reasons included anxiety about taking any actions that might aggravate symptoms, expense, lack of knowledge and risk to an already compromised body (Box 3).

An extreme example of that lack of action in the final laps happened in 1999 when Dale Jarrett led the final 43 laps.

That lack of action, says Olexiy Haran of the Kyiv Mohyla University, was seen by Mr Yanukovych as "carte blanche that he could do what he wants".

News & Media

The Economist
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "devoid of" or "deficient in" to add emphasis and precision to your message.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "actions that lack" in informal contexts can sound stilted. Opt for more natural phrasing like "missing actions" or "actions without" to maintain a conversational tone.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actions that lack" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (actions) by describing a quality or characteristic that is absent. This is supported by Ludwig AI, indicating its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actions that lack" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions deficient in a particular quality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable across different contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and formal settings. While its usage is versatile, ensure the context clearly identifies the missing attribute to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "deficient actions" or "actions without" can provide stylistic variations. Remember that clarity and proper specification of the missing quality are crucial for effective communication. While “actions that lack” can sometimes sound formal, particularly in informal settings, it remains a reliable and precise way to articulate deficiencies in actions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "actions that lack" for brevity?

Consider using shorter alternatives such as "deficient actions", "missing actions", or "actions without" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "actions that lack" and "actions devoid of"?

"Actions that lack" simply indicates the absence of something, while "actions devoid of" implies a complete absence, often carrying a stronger emphasis.

Is "actions that lack" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "actions that lack" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, depending on the desired tone, more emphatic synonyms like "actions deficient in" may be preferable.

How to ensure clarity when using "actions that lack" in a sentence?

Clearly specify what the actions are missing to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "actions that lack", use "actions that lack transparency" or "actions that lack planning".

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: