be absent

USAGE SUMMARY

"be absent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is not present at their designated place. For example: "The teacher noticed that Ben was absent from class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Overt politics seemed to be absent.

The New York Times

Petty crime appears to be absent.

The Economist

It will be absent for 18 months.

The Guardian - Arts

Walters' yellow card means he will also be absent.

The Guardian - Sport

The usual dominance will be absent, he predicted.

The New York Times - Sports

Donovan may be absent for as many as six games.

The New York Times - Sports

Should that happen, Ms. Burnett, at least, will be absent.

The New York Times

MacAnthony will be absent in the Bahamas today.

The Guardian - Sport

And in critical moments he likes to be absent.

The Guardian - Books

I don't want to be absent from their lives.

The Guardian - Music

Still, I know some of his friends will be absent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be absent" in a sentence, ensure the subject clearly defines who or what is not present. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the sentence is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "absent" as a noun when "absence" is required. "Absent" is an adjective or verb, while "absence" is the noun form referring to the state of being away. For example, instead of saying "The absent was noted", say "The absence was noted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absent" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate adjective to describe the state of a subject not being present. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing people, objects, or qualities that are missing from a location or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be absent" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase indicating the state of not being present. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts, including news, scientific publications, and general writing. The analysis reveals a neutral register, making it appropriate for various levels of formality. Related phrases, such as "not be present" and "be away", offer subtle variations in meaning and tone. When using "be absent", ensure clarity regarding the subject and context of absence, and avoid confusing it with the noun "absence". The phrase's widespread occurrence underscores its importance for effectively communicating the lack of presence in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be present

Replaces "absent" with a more direct synonym for being physically or mentally elsewhere.

be away

Suggests a temporary departure or unavailability from a place or situation.

be missing

Implies a lack or loss of someone or something that is expected to be there.

not attend

Specifically refers to not being at a scheduled event or gathering.

be unavailable

Indicates that someone or something is not accessible or reachable.

be out

Suggests a temporary absence, often implying that the person or thing will return.

be lacking

Focuses on the absence of a necessary quality or element.

be deficient

Emphasizes a shortage or inadequacy of something essential.

be without

Highlights the condition of not having something.

fail to appear

Implies a failure to show up or be present at a specified time or place.

FAQs

How can I use "be absent" in a sentence?

You can use "be absent" to indicate someone or something is not present. For example, "The student will "be absent" from school today" or "The key element seems to "be absent" from the discussion".

What's a more formal way to say "be absent"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "not be present", "not attend", or "be unavailable" as alternatives to "be absent".

Is it correct to say "is absent" instead of "be absent"?

The correct form depends on the context. "Is absent" is used when referring to a specific instance in the present (e.g., "He is absent today"), while "be absent" is used in more general statements or future scenarios (e.g., "He will "be absent" tomorrow").

What's the difference between "be absent" and "take leave"?

"Be absent" generally indicates a state of not being present, while "take leave" implies a formal or authorized absence, often from work or duty. For example, you might "be absent" due to illness, but you "take leave" for a vacation.