apparently missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparently missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that seems to be absent or not present based on available information or observations. Example: "The report was submitted, but the crucial data is apparently missing, which raises concerns about its accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

More worryingly, her child is apparently missing.

The Guardian - Books

Investigators found at least one case in which apparently missing or faulty grates resulted in casualties.

The New York Times

Those figures added up to just 424 participants, leaving 60 apparently missing.

The Guardian

They also ascribe apparently "missing" data to the fact that their data set is a work in progress.

The Economist

Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's chief of military intelligence, was apparently missing thirty-one signatures of the fifty thousand needed to qualify.

The New Yorker

Diane Abbott asked about some apparently missing minutes, and Anna Soubry, a junior health minister, went demented.

The Guardian

Also apparently missing are two of the most dramatic scenes, a rape and an escape from a convent, likely lost to an earlier expurgation.

The New York Times

At least one other person who was scheduled to be onboard was apparently missing and may have missed the flight, officials said.

The New York Times

But with less than a month to go, America's government apparently missing in action, and the high cost of a last-minute switch, it seems unlikely that will happen.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the assistant apparently missed.

The New York Times

(Mr. Ryan apparently missed the memo).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparently missing" when you want to indicate that something is absent based on the information at hand, but without making a definitive claim. This allows for the possibility of new information changing the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "apparently missing" when you have concrete evidence of something being permanently lost or removed. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty that contradicts definitive knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparently missing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is seemingly absent or not present, based on the available information. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its common occurrence across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apparently missing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something seems to be absent based on available information. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to scientific research. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a degree of uncertainty, making it unsuitable for situations where the absence is definitively known. Consider alternatives like "seemingly absent" or "reportedly gone" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly absent

Focuses on the impression or appearance of absence.

evidently lacking

Stresses that something is clearly not present or available.

noticeably lacking

Emphasizes that the absence is easily observed.

ostensibly lost

Emphasizes that the loss is stated or appears to be true, but may not actually be so.

ostensibly absent

Highlights the lack of presence, but might not be true.

visibly absent

Highlights the obvious or noticeable absence.

conspicuously absent

Suggests that the absence is very noticeable or striking.

reportedly gone

Indicates the absence is based on reports or claims.

allegedly vanished

Indicates that something has disappeared, according to an allegation that is not proven.

superficially missing

Highlights that the absence is only at first glance.

FAQs

How can I use "apparently missing" in a sentence?

You can use "apparently missing" to describe something that seems to be absent or not present based on available information or observations. For example: "The key evidence is "apparently missing" from the crime scene."

What can I say instead of "apparently missing"?

You can use alternatives like "seemingly absent", "visibly absent", or "evidently lacking" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "apparently missing" or "obviously missing"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Apparently missing" suggests that something is missing based on the information available, but there may be some doubt. "Obviously missing" implies that something is clearly and undeniably absent.

What's the difference between "apparently missing" and "reportedly missing"?

"Apparently missing" means that something seems to be missing based on observation or available evidence. "Reportedly missing" means that there are reports or claims that something is missing, but it may not be confirmed.