Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by lack of response
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by lack of response" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically intended to convey a situation where there is an absence of reply or feedback, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "The meeting was canceled by lack of response from the participants."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
Pigs (body weight = 44.6 ± 3.8 kg) were anesthetized with IV ketamine 25 to 50 mg/kg/h, midazolam 90 to 180 μg/kg/h, fentanyl 3 to 6 μg/kg/h, and rocuronium 2.5 to 5.0 mg/kg/h was added when adequate anesthesia was ascertained by lack of response of painful stimulation between the front hooves.
While the response rates were similar to those in another large national survey, our results could be biased by lack of response from those without landlines.
Science
However, these treatments are hampered by lack of response in some patients and side effects may add to the disease complications [ 1, 2].
Science
In brief, mice were anesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection (0.020 mL/g weight) of 2.5% tribromoethanol (Avertin) (Sigma-Aldrich, UK), allowed five minutes to become fully anesthetized (evidenced by lack of response to toe or tail pinch).
After the experiment arteries were contracted with PGF2α (10 μM) and removal of the endothelial layer was evaluated by lack of response (<10% vasodilation) to bradykinin 30 nM (see Figure 1).
Science
Interestingly, in contrast to our study, Phuc Le et al did not observe upregulation of bona fide GR target genes, such as Pck and Igfpb in fed CD1 mice and explain this by lack of response due to a potential inhibition by insulin signaling in the fed state [ 79].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
O2 flow was set at 1 L/min and the percentage isoflurane adjusted for adequate sedation as determined by lack of mouse response to light cutaneous pressure applied by forceps to a hind limb.
"I am disturbed by the lack of response by the black community," Mr. Farthing said, speaking generally about a national pattern for many urban areas.
News & Media
One local headteacher said he was concerned by a lack of response by some parents to a special clinic at his school.
News & Media
Ever since the situation started to deteriorate in July, MSF has been frustrated by the lack of response by the wider humanitarian community.
News & Media
"I am dismayed by the lack of response by the law enforcement authorities to these attacks.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Prefer more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "due to no response" or "in the absence of a response" for clearer communication. Avoid "by lack of response".
Common error
While understandable, the phrase "by lack of response" is considered awkward. Opt for more natural phrasing to enhance readability. For example, use "because of the lack of response" instead.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by lack of response" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating the reason or cause for a particular outcome. It introduces a condition that affects the result, similar to other causal connectors.
Frequent in
Science
62%
News & Media
31%
Formal & Business
7%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "by lack of response" is understandable, it is considered grammatically incorrect and awkward in standard English. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "due to no response" or "because of the lack of response" are preferred. The phrase appears in both scientific and news contexts but is not very frequent. When writing, aiming for clarity and precision is key, making alternatives a better choice for conveying the intended meaning effectively.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
due to no response
Replaces "by lack of" with "due to no", offering a more concise and grammatically standard alternative.
as a result of no reply
Replaces "response" with "reply" and uses "as a result of" to indicate consequence.
in the absence of a response
Replaces "lack" with "absence" and uses "in the absence of" for a more formal tone.
owing to the absence of response
Substitutes "lack" with "absence", creating a slightly more formal tone.
because there was no response
Expands the phrase to a full clause, emphasizing the reason for the outcome.
due to the failure to respond
Emphasizes the act of not responding as the cause.
because of a failure to answer
Highlights the failure to provide an answer, emphasizing the lack of communication.
for want of a response
Uses the phrase "for want of", indicating something is missing or lacking.
given the absence of feedback
Substitutes "response" with "feedback", focusing on the information aspect of the reply.
through non-response
Uses a single word, "non-response", for brevity.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "by lack of response"?
You can use alternatives like "due to no response", "in the absence of a response", or "because there was no response" depending on the context.
Is "by lack of response" grammatically correct?
While the meaning is generally clear, "by lack of response" is not considered standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting more conventional alternatives.
How can I improve the clarity of my writing when referring to a lack of response?
To improve clarity, replace "by lack of response" with phrases such as "owing to the absence of response" or "as a result of no reply". These alternatives are more widely accepted and easier to understand.
In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "by lack of response"?
You might find "by lack of response" in various contexts, including scientific papers and news articles, as shown in the examples. However, it's generally advisable to use more standard phrasing in your own writing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested