be absent from school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be absent from school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a student's attendance or lack thereof at school, often in the context of illness or other reasons for not attending. Example: "Due to a severe cold, I will be absent from school for the next few days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

School girls who didn't use a sanitary napkins might be absent from school fear of sudden leakage as male students might mistreat them.

BMC Public Health

His headmaster already knows that the 17-year-old will be absent from school for a couple of days this week because of an important appointment at Anfield.

The Guardian - Sport

The program was begun in 1940, after the New York State Legislature passed legislation allowing children to be absent from school for religious education.

The New York Times

Today 55,000 young people will be absent from school because they are being bullied - that is one-third of all truancies.

The Guardian

During the eight-year emergency, speaking Gikuyu was punishable with the cane but he promised his mother, Wanjiku, that "I must never be absent from school, however hungry we were".

The Guardian - Books

Children who experience relational aggression are more likely to be absent from school, perform worse academically, be socially isolated, and exhibit headaches and stomachaches, behavioral problems, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, symptoms of depression and anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Three million are absent from school each month because they feel unsafe there.

University of California, Berkeley

The teenager, now aged 15, has been absent from school for a year.

The Guardian - Tech

When they are absent from school, they can also find some of their homework assignments online.

The New York Times

Omar had been absent from school since Oct. 9, Schools Chancellor Joel I.Klein told reporters at the news conference.

The New York Times

She had been drawn away from work when she received a call saying Delia was absent from school.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing reasons for absence, clarify whether the absence is excused (e.g., due to illness) or unexcused (e.g., truancy) to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions like "absent of" or "absent in" instead of the correct "absent from". Always ensure the correct preposition is used to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absent from school" functions as a predicate within a sentence, indicating a state of non-attendance. As Ludwig AI shows, it often describes the reason a student is not present at school, whether due to illness, personal reasons, or truancy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be absent from school" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a student's non-attendance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from formal reports to casual discussions. While alternatives like "miss school" or "not attend school" exist, "be absent from school" remains a versatile option. It's important to consider the reason for absence (excused vs. unexcused) to provide context and avoid misinterpretations. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, suggesting its relevance in both reporting and academic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miss school

A more concise and commonly used alternative.

not attend school

A direct and straightforward way to express non-attendance.

skip school

Implies absence without permission or valid reason.

play truant

A more formal and sometimes negative term for skipping school.

take time off school

Suggests a planned or authorized absence.

stay away from school

Indicates a prolonged or indefinite absence.

be out of school

A general term for not being present at school.

be excused from school

Indicates that the absence is officially approved.

withdraw from school

Implies a permanent or long-term removal from school.

be on leave from school

Suggests a temporary and authorized absence, similar to a vacation or sabbatical.

FAQs

What are common reasons for students to "be absent from school"?

Common reasons include illness, family emergencies, appointments, or, in some cases, truancy. The specific reasons can significantly impact how the absence is viewed and handled by the school.

Is "be absent from school" the same as skipping school?

Not exactly. "Be absent from school" is a general term, while skipping school implies an unexcused absence, often without parental knowledge or permission. Skipping school also relates to "playing truant".

What can I say instead of "be absent from school" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "not attend school" or "take time off school", particularly in official communications.

What are the consequences of frequently "being absent from school"?

Frequent absences can lead to academic difficulties, disciplinary actions, and potential legal repercussions, especially if the absences are unexcused and violate school attendance policies.