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
commonly absent
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "commonly absent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is frequently not present or lacking in a particular context or situation. Example: "In many studies, certain variables are commonly absent, leading to incomplete data analysis."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
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
26 human-written examples
For one reason or another there are major gaps in everyday services that many of us take for granted — the ability to prove one's identity, for example, is critical but commonly absent.
News & Media
Other genetic elements commonly absent in both DT2 and L796 (DT99) were the Fels-1 and Fels-2 prophages.
Science
The most frequent tumor suppressor lost is TP53, with INK4A- ARF less commonly absent at the genomic level but possibly silenced through alternative mechanisms [ 3, 6, 15, 16].
The views of non-white, working class and LGBT individuals are commonly absent from research and knowledge on ageing sexuality and service provision.
News & Media
They are present in significant abundances in oils, including light oils and condensates, in which biomarkers are commonly absent or present only in extremely low concentrations.
While experimental studies have noted a positive growth response in trees to elevated CO29,32, the strength of this response relative to herbaceous plants is variable, especially when considered in isolation from nutrient limitations and competitive interactions present in natural systems but commonly absent in experimental set-ups33,34 set-ups33,34
Science & Research
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
34 human-written examples
Irruptive species such as the boreal finches are one such group and can commonly be found at a location in one year and absent the next.
Wiki
And in 2010, the CBO wrote that, absent the Medicare savings, the law would increase deficits by $226 billion through 2019 — instead of decreasing them by the commonly cited $132 billion.
News & Media
Considering that nocturnal BP fall is commonly small or absent in diabetic subjects, it is hardly surprising that ambulatory arterial stiffness index scored worse than 24-h pulse pressure in predicting the progression of renal damage in this population (39).
Science
The first is the regression of the 'granular' layer 4, that is commonly described as absent in area 4 although Sloper et al. (1979) clearly demonstrated a layer 4 in macaque area 4 as a diffuse middle-layer stratum of large stellate cells or present as an 'incipient' layer in parts of area 6; sometimes referred to as dysgranular cortex (Watanabe-Sawaguchi et al. 1991).
Science
More commonly p16 was absent from much of a melanoma section, especially in VGP lesions; this can be explained partly by the high rate of p16 deletion in primary melanomas (Curtin et al, 2005), but may also involve other mechanisms, since the said deletions are often not homozygous.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing research findings, use "commonly absent" to clearly indicate elements or characteristics that are infrequently observed or documented. This adds precision to your analysis and helps set expectations for readers.
Common error
Avoid using "commonly absent" when you mean "completely absent." Ensure your claim aligns with the actual frequency; "commonly absent" implies it's usually, but not always, missing.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "commonly absent" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective, describing the state of something that is frequently not present. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is typically missing or lacking. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
71%
News & Media
21%
Wiki
4%
Less common in
Formal & Business
4%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "commonly absent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates something is typically missing or lacking. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use across diverse fields like science, news, and media. While it may be similar in meaning to other expressions, like "frequently missing" or "typically lacking", each has subtle nuances that may make one more appropriate than another depending on the desired precision. When using this phrase, ensure that you're accurately representing the frequency of absence and that it is the most fitting choice for your context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
frequently missing
Emphasizes the high frequency of something not being present.
typically lacking
Highlights that the absence is what is expected.
generally not present
Stresses the overall absence in a general sense.
often unavailable
Focuses on the unavailability or inaccessibility of something.
usually missing
Indicates a tendency for something to be absent under normal conditions.
seldom found
Highlights the rarity of finding something.
infrequently seen
Emphasizes the low frequency of visual observation.
rarely present
Focuses on the uncommon nature of something's presence.
scarcely available
Highlights that there is minimal availability of something.
uncommonly present
Highlights that the presence is unusual.
FAQs
How can I use "commonly absent" in a sentence?
You can use "commonly absent" to describe something that is frequently not present or lacking in a particular context. For example, "In many studies, certain variables are "commonly absent", leading to incomplete data analysis."
What can I say instead of "commonly absent"?
You can use alternatives like "frequently missing", "typically lacking", or "generally not present" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "commonly absent" or "usually absent"?
Both "commonly absent" and "usually absent" are correct, but "commonly absent" may suggest a wider range of contexts where the absence is noted, while "usually absent" might imply a more habitual or predictable absence in specific scenarios. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "commonly absent" the same as "rarely present"?
While similar, "commonly absent" emphasizes the frequency of absence, and "rarely present" highlights the infrequency of presence. "Commonly absent" is more about what to expect, while "rarely present" is more about what you might find if you're lucky.
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
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested