an extended absence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extended absence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a prolonged period of time during which someone is not present or available. Example: "After an extended absence from work due to illness, she finally returned to the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Morales said it did not occur to him to take an extended absence to recover.

The New York Times

Alexander and Aiden cracked the top 10 after an extended absence.

The New York Times

Residents can board in any port and are asked, after an extended absence, to give 24-hours' notice.

The New York Times

Barring an extended absence, he is expected to continue playing on a top pairing with defenseman John Carlson.

The Washington Post

In regions that have been hard hit by layoffs, school districts are also seeing more teachers returning after an extended absence.

The New York Times

In October Tuck School at Dartmouth, New Hampshire, will start a course on returning to corporate life after an extended absence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Ken® was also available for sale through 1966, but found a extended absence until being released with an entirely different look and body mold in 1969.

Huffington Post

They also have very little time to establish team chemistry with their overhauled roster, so any extended absence is a concern.

The New York Times

He says his job has been business as usual since his return last spring, but he acknowledged making up a story about his extended absence, which he even gave to his boss.

The New York Times

Though he eventually came to grips with his injury enough to call his extended absence "a really good learning experience," Bosa is eager to return.

Los Angeles Times

But since returning on June 9 from his extended absence with an Achilles' ailment, Garciaparra has batted.233, and the Red Sox have won eight games and lost nine.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of someone's absence, use "an extended absence" to highlight the duration and potential consequences. For example, "The team struggled during his extended absence due to injury".

Common error

Avoid using "an extended absence" when referring to brief or short-term periods. Ensure the absence is genuinely long-lasting; otherwise, opt for phrases like "a short absence" or "a brief period away".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extended absence" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It modifies a noun implicitly (e.g., absence), specifying that the absence is not just any absence but one of considerable duration. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extended absence" is a noun phrase that describes a prolonged period of being away. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts. It is appropriate for formal and informal settings, predominantly used in news, business and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, avoid using it for brief periods and be mindful of context when choosing it over alternatives like "a prolonged period away" or "a lengthy leave of absence". This phrase provides a clear and professional way to communicate a significant period of non-presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prolonged period away

Emphasizes the length of the time spent away.

a lengthy leave of absence

Focuses on a formal or approved time away, such as from work or school.

a significant time off

Highlights the importance or impact of the time taken away.

an extensive break

Suggests a complete cessation of activity for a considerable duration.

a long-term hiatus

Implies a temporary suspension of activity with an expectation of return.

a sustained period of non-attendance

Formally describes a continuous lack of presence.

a protracted detachment

Emphasizes separation or disconnection over a long duration.

a considerable lapse

Highlights the interruption or discontinuity caused by the absence.

a drawn-out separation

Stresses the prolonged nature of being apart or disconnected.

a substantial time away

Highlights a remarkable and significant period of being away from something.

FAQs

How do I use "an extended absence" in a sentence?

You can use "an extended absence" to describe a prolonged period when someone or something is not present. For example, "Her career suffered after an extended absence to care for her family".

What's the difference between "an extended absence" and "a brief absence"?

"An extended absence" refers to a long period of being away, while "a brief absence" refers to a short period. The choice depends on the actual duration of the absence you're describing.

What can I say instead of "an extended absence"?

Alternatives include "a prolonged period away", "a lengthy leave of absence", or "a significant time off", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "an extended absence" in a formal context?

Yes, "an extended absence" is appropriate for formal contexts, such as academic papers, business reports, or official correspondence. It clearly and professionally conveys the idea of a prolonged period of non-presence.