are still missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are still missing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that has not yet been found or located. For example, "After searching the entire house, the keys to the car are still missing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thousands are still missing.

Independent

Most are still missing.

The New Yorker

Others are still missing.

The New York Times

Four are still missing.

The New York Times

Thirty are still missing.

The Guardian

Over 200 are still missing.

The Economist

Three people are still missing.

Independent

HOW many are still missing?

The New York Times

Other people are still missing.

The New Yorker

Two bodies are still missing.

The New York Times

The rest are still missing".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "remain unaccounted for" or "have not yet been located" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using singular verb forms with "are still missing". The phrase refers to multiple entities, so "is still missing" is grammatically incorrect unless referring to one specific item.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are still missing" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of multiple subjects that have not been found or accounted for. Ludwig examples showcase its widespread usage in various contexts, supporting this analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are still missing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe multiple entities that have not been found. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey information, often with a sense of urgency. Predominantly found in "News & Media", this phrase serves a neutral register, and various synonyms like "remain unaccounted for" or "have not yet been located" can offer a more formal tone. Avoid the error of using a singular verb form, and remember to use "are still missing" when referring to multiple subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are yet missing

Inverts the order slightly, placing emphasis on the "yet" aspect.

are still unaccounted for

This variation highlights the lack of an explanation for their absence.

remain unaccounted for

Replaces "missing" with "unaccounted for", emphasizing the lack of explanation for their absence.

are still not found

A more direct and simplified version of the original phrase.

have not yet been found

Substitutes "missing" with a more descriptive phrase indicating the lack of discovery.

are yet to be located

Replaces "missing" with "to be located", focusing on the ongoing search effort.

have not been recovered

Implies a search or rescue operation is underway, making it suitable when something lost needs retrieval.

continue to be absent

Emphasizes the ongoing state of absence.

are still outstanding

Indicates something that is unresolved or pending regarding missing entities.

are still wanted

Implies a search due to legal reasons or some kind of requirement.

FAQs

How do I use "are still missing" in a sentence?

The phrase "are still missing" is used to indicate that multiple entities (people, items, etc.) have not yet been found. For example, "Several key documents "are still missing" from the investigation."

What can I say instead of "are still missing"?

You can use alternatives like "remain unaccounted for", "have not yet been found", or "are yet to be located" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are still missing" or "is still missing"?

"Are still missing" is correct when referring to multiple items or people. "Is still missing" is only correct when referring to a single item or person.

What's the difference between "are still missing" and "are now missing"?

"Are still missing" implies that the items or people have been missing for some time and remain so. "Are now missing" suggests that the disappearance is more recent.