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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

is totally lacking.

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is totally lacking." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely absent or missing in a particular context. Example: "The report is totally lacking in relevant data, making it difficult to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"That is totally lacking today".

News & Media

The Economist

This synthesis of the past into something vital and necessary is totally lacking here.

So complex analysis possesses a new ingredient, a kind of flexible geometry, that is totally lacking in real analysis.

There is a sense of complacency on Capitol Hill that is totally lacking in Virginia Beach.

News & Media

BBC

It's bright and drenched in glitch-glitter, but the bassweight is totally lacking.

News & Media

Vice

Similarly CABOG does not support data that is totally lacking in paired ends.

Science

Plosone
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The washing process can be totally lacking in dignity.

News & Media

The Guardian

Few of us are totally lacking in anecdotal data.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It looked very cool but was totally lacking in privacy.

"They are underrated and we are totally lacking in confidence with the bat.

"A person acts as if he were totally lacking in moral principle and unhampered by intelligence.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is totally lacking", ensure the context clearly identifies what is missing and why its absence is significant. This strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is totally lacking" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doesn't have" or "is missing" to maintain a natural tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is totally lacking" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's deficiency or complete absence of a particular quality or attribute. The Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is totally lacking" is a grammatically correct expression used to denote the complete absence of something. As per Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts but appears more frequently in scientific and news-related content. Alternatives such as "is completely devoid of" and "is entirely missing" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the missing element is explicitly stated to avoid any ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I use "is totally lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "is totally lacking" to describe something that completely misses a particular quality or element. For example, "The presentation is totally lacking in data to support its claims".

What can I say instead of "is totally lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "is completely devoid of", "is entirely without", or "is entirely missing" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is totally lacking" or "lacks completely"?

"Is totally lacking" and "lacks completely" are very similar in meaning. However, "is totally lacking" might sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "is lacking" and "is totally lacking"?

"Is lacking" indicates a deficiency, while "is totally lacking" emphasizes a complete absence. The addition of "totally" intensifies the meaning and highlights the extent of the deficiency.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

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.

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: