is absent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is absent" can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that somebody is not present in a specific place. For example: "The teacher is absent today so the class is cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Notably, China is absent.

The Economist

That fingerprint is absent.

The New York Times

The Artist is Absent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lambda abstraction is absent.

Stanford University

Suspense is absent.

The Guardian - Music

George Osborne is absent.

The Guardian

Ethnic America is absent.

The New York Times

High drama is absent.

The New York Times - Arts

The rest is absent.

The Guardian - Film

Gorbachov is absent.

The Guardian - Film

Dramatic music is absent.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is absent", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing or not present to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is absent" when a more specific term like "missing" or "unavailable" is more appropriate to accurately reflect the nature of what is lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is absent" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with an adjective that describes its state of being. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function in various contexts. The phrase indicates a state of non-presence or lack.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is absent" is a versatile and frequently used construction in the English language to denote a state of non-presence or lack. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is missing to avoid any ambiguity. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "is missing" or "is not present" to suit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not present

Focuses on the lack of physical presence rather than a general absence.

is missing

Implies something is lost or cannot be found.

is lacking

Highlights a deficiency or shortage of something.

does not exist

Emphasizes the non-existence of something, often in a more absolute sense.

is unavailable

Indicates something cannot be accessed or obtained.

is not to be found

Suggests a search has been conducted, without success.

is without

Highlights the absence of something as a defining characteristic.

is devoid of

Emphasizes a complete lack of something, often in a figurative sense.

is conspicuous by its absence

Draws attention to the fact that something is missing, often implying it should be present.

is nowhere to be seen

Indicates something cannot be located or detected.

FAQs

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

Use "is absent" to indicate that something or someone is not present or available. For instance, "The key witness "is absent" from the trial today" or "A critical component "is absent" from the device".

What can I say instead of "is absent"?

You can use alternatives like "is missing", "is lacking", or "is not present" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was absent" instead of "is absent"?

Yes, "was absent" is the past tense form of "is absent" and should be used when referring to a past state. For example, "He "was absent" from the meeting yesterday".

What's the difference between "is absent" and "is missing"?

"Is absent" generally indicates a lack of presence, while "is missing" often implies that something has been lost or misplaced. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize absence or loss.