been missing for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been missing for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that has not been present or accounted for over a period of time. Example: "My keys have been missing for a while, and I can't seem to find them anywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That's been missing for a while, but it's kind of what we set out to do".

The Guardian - Film

OUTLOOK -- The Seahawks need to gel and play complementary football, an element that has been missing for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

Or maybe it's been missing for a while, after someone borrowed it and never brought it back.

The New York Times

For the lads, it's nothing different to having any player come back into the squad who's been missing for a while".

Independent

"At one time you had whites moving to Levittown, and now we've got Hispanic suburbanites helping to populate the schools and starting the family networks that had been missing for a while as the whites aged.

The New York Times

I know I will have to adapt my own and my family's lifestyle, but hopefully, my children will get back what has been missing for a while now; a mum who may still work long hours, look frazzled on a Friday, but gets genuine career satisfaction.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The little man was missing for a while this season, but now he is whispering all the right words.

The New York Times - Sports

Wenger also said that defender Laurent Koscielny, missing from the Swansea draw, would be missing "for a while" with a calf problem.

BBC

Investing your money in a CD is a good way to put money to use that you know you won't lose to be missing for a while.

WikiHow

It's something that has been missing for a little while and they're back there now.

The Guardian - Sport

"But I saw the guys at training today and I sense there is a real uniform, combined team ethos that has been missing for a little while.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been missing for a while", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who has been absent, and the approximate duration of the absence. This clarifies the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "been missing for a while" without specifying what exactly has been missing. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been missing for a while" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state of absence that has persisted over a period. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature, demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been missing for a while" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe an absence or lack over a period of time. Ludwig's analysis, supported by various examples from reputable sources, indicates that while the phrase is versatile, it is predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity and precision, it's important to explicitly state what or who has "been missing for a while" and, where appropriate, specify the duration. While adaptable to various registers, consider opting for more precise language in formal academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absent for some time

Focuses on the state of being absent rather than the act of missing.

gone for a period

Emphasizes the duration of the absence.

lacking for some time

Shifts the focus to the deficiency or lack of something.

away for a duration

Highlights being away from a place or situation.

out of the picture for a while

Suggests a removal or exclusion from a particular scenario.

not seen for some time

Focuses on the lack of visual presence.

unaccounted for some time

Emphasizes the lack of information about someone or something's whereabouts.

not present for a duration

Highlights the absence of physical presence.

off the radar for a while

Implies a disappearance from attention or awareness.

vanished for some time

Suggests a sudden or mysterious disappearance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "been missing for a while"?

You can use alternatives like "absent for some time", "gone for a period", or "lacking for some time" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something has "been missing for a while"?

It means that something or someone has not been present or accounted for over a certain period. The duration implied by "a while" is subjective and depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "has been missing for a while"?

Yes, both "has been missing for a while" and "been missing for a while" are grammatically correct, but the former requires a subject (e.g., "The book has been missing for a while"), while the latter is often used in conversational contexts or when the subject is already understood.

What is the difference between "missing for a while" and "gone for a while"?

"Missing for a while" implies something is lost or unaccounted for, whereas "gone for a while" simply means something or someone is absent but may return.