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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
an active missing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "an active missing" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a situation where something is actively absent or unaccounted for, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The report highlighted an active missing of key data points that hindered our analysis."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
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
2 human-written examples
The Grand County Sheriff's Office is handling this matter as an active missing person investigation. .
News & Media
Contacted by HuffPost on Friday, Phoenix police would say only that the case remains "an active missing person investigation".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
The case is being handled as an active missing-person investigation.
News & Media
All models additionally included height (continues in cm), weight (continues in kg), energy intake from fat and non-fat sources (continues in kcal/day), alcohol consumption (continues in g/day), physical activity (inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active, active, missing), and highest educational level (none, primary school, technical/professional school, secondary school, university).
Science
It did not yield a match to existing DNA databases from convicted felons or from active missing person cases in which samples had been collected.
News & Media
Baby Hope's DNA yielded no matches with DNA databases of convicted felons or active missing person cases.
News & Media
But there were no matches when they tested it against DNA databases of convicted felons or active missing person cases.
News & Media
Locally, BC RCMP currently have approximately 57 active missing persons cases on their website.
News & Media
Medical Examiner Glenn Wagner said there are 3,175 active missing person cases in San Diego County — and more than 19,000 statewide.
News & Media
††Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12 (range 0-48) (available only for women who were sexually active; missing scores were imputed only for women who were sexually active at baseline).
Science
To adjust for the level of physical activity, a five-level validated variable (inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active, active, and missing) was created [ 11].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to missing persons investigations, use the established phrase "missing persons case" instead of the less common and potentially confusing "an active missing".
Common error
Avoid using "active" directly before "missing" as it creates an awkward and unclear phrasing. Reframe the sentence to clarify what is "active", such as an "active investigation" or the action of "actively searching".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "an active missing" functions as a noun phrase aiming to describe a state of being absent or unaccounted for. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect and unclear in standard English. Its intended meaning is often related to ongoing investigations or searches.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "an active missing" appears in some contexts, particularly in news and scientific articles, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable and unclear. Its intended meaning often relates to ongoing investigations or a current state of absence. It's advisable to use clearer and more established phrases such as "actively missing", "currently missing", or specify what is active, such as "an active investigation" for improved clarity. The phrase's frequency is rare, suggesting it's not a common or widely accepted expression.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
actively missing
This alternative modifies the adverb's position to emphasize the active nature of the missing element.
currently missing
This phrase emphasizes the present state of being missing, replacing "active" with "currently" for better clarity.
ongoing absence
This alternative replaces "missing" with "absence" and "active" with "ongoing", focusing on the continuous state of being absent.
active investigation into the disappearance
This alternative specifies that it's the investigation that is active, clarifying the context.
missing persons investigation
This alternative focuses on missing persons, using a standard and accepted phrase.
actively searching for
This emphasizes the active search to locate the missing element, focusing on the action being taken.
absence is notable
This phrase highlights the importance or significance of the missing element.
current lack of
This alternative uses "lack of" to indicate something is missing and "current" instead of active.
still unaccounted for
This alternative shifts focus to the element remaining unaccounted for.
missing and presumed active
This phrase suggests someone is missing but still thought to be functioning or alive
FAQs
How can I rephrase the sentence "an active missing" to be more grammatically correct?
Consider alternatives like "actively missing", "currently missing", or describing the action being taken, such as "an active investigation".
Is it correct to say "an active missing person"?
While understandable, it's better to use established phrases like "missing person" or specify what is active, such as "an active missing person case".
What does "an active missing" typically refer to?
The phrase often refers to an ongoing investigation into someone's disappearance or the state of something being currently lost or absent.
Which is a better way to phrase an ongoing search: "an active missing" or "an active search"?
"An active search" is clearer and grammatically sound. "An active missing" is less common and can be confusing.
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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
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested