completely absent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely absent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is missing or not present at all. Here are some examples: - The evidence in this case is completely absent, making it difficult for the prosecution to build a strong case against the suspect. - The teacher noticed that one student's homework was completely absent, and asked the student if they had forgotten to turn it in. - The smell of fresh flowers was completely absent in the empty room, making it feel cold and lifeless. - Despite searching through every room, the key to the safe was completely absent, causing the group to panic. - The speaker's confidence and charisma were completely absent during the presentation, causing the audience to lose interest.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

George Gershwin wasn't completely absent.

The New York Times - Arts

Her personal history is almost completely absent.

The New York Times

There's some evidence it's not completely absent.

Yale University

But that aspect is completely absent.

The Guardian - Film

The natural world is almost completely absent.

The New York Times - Arts

In others, government is completely absent.

The New York Times

The menace and provocation of that group was completely absent.

The Guardian - Music

What's needed is strong political will, which is completely absent.

The Guardian

Something that just seems so completely absent in autistic fiction.

The Guardian

Suskind, by contrast, is completely absent from his story.

The New York Times - Books

Frame-rate issues and lag, mercifully, were completely absent.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely absent" to emphasize a total lack of something, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While "completely absent" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "missing" or "gone" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely absent" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a state of total absence or non-existence. Ludwig AI states that it is often used to describe something that is missing or not present at all.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

HuffPost

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely absent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys a state of total absence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, consider simpler alternatives in very casual settings. Its frequent appearance in science and news media underscores its versatility. When using "completely absent", ensure it accurately reflects a total lack and avoids ambiguity. Related phrases like "entirely missing" or "totally lacking" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely missing

Focuses on the state of being lost or not present, emphasizing the absence more directly.

totally lacking

Emphasizes a deficiency or lack, often used when something is needed but unavailable.

wholly nonexistent

Highlights the absolute lack of existence, often used in more formal or emphatic contexts.

utterly devoid

Stresses the complete absence of something, often with a negative connotation.

fully unpresent

A more literal and direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of presence in a specific location or situation.

absolutely vanished

Implies a disappearance or removal, suggesting that something was once present but is now gone.

completely null

Emphasizes the invalidity or worthlessness due to absence.

entirely negated

Highlights the cancellation or reversal of something, making it as if it never existed.

totally excluded

Focuses on the act of being left out or not included, implying a deliberate removal.

wholly expunged

Suggests a complete and thorough removal, often used in legal or formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely absent" to describe the total lack of something. For example, "The evidence was "completely absent" from the crime scene" or "Her personal history is "completely absent" from her online profile."

What are some alternatives to "completely absent"?

Alternatives include "entirely missing", "totally lacking", or "wholly nonexistent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "completely absent" or "totally absent"?

Both "completely absent" and "totally absent" are correct and convey a similar meaning. "Completely absent" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

Can "completely absent" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "completely absent" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although in very casual contexts, simpler terms like "missing" or "gone" might be preferred.