it is missing

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is missing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is not there, or has gone missing. For example, "I can't find my phone. It is missing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This model has the advantage that sporadic missing data can be coped with if it is missing at random (MAR).

BMC Family Practice

As described in its name, the protein was identified because it is missing in melanoma tumors.

Biochemistry

It is missing, too.

The New York Times

Yet even it is missing the point.

The Economist

"It is missing from magazines so often.

The New York Times

But it is missing from the tables.

The New York Times - Food

But I know that it is missing.

The New York Times

If so, it is missing in action.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is missing one strain which is now around.

The Guardian

It's not much, but it is missing," Savadogo said.

The Guardian

It is missing many references to seminal events and does not include more highly classified information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is missing" when you want to clearly and directly state that something is not present or has disappeared. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "it is missing" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is absent" or "it is lacking" in academic or professional documents to enhance the tone and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is missing" primarily functions as a statement of absence or lack. It indicates that something is not present or available. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show its applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is missing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and versatile, appearing across various domains from news and media to scientific publications. While perfectly acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "it is absent" or "it is lacking" in contexts demanding a higher level of formality. Be mindful of the specific nuances each alternative conveys when making your choice. The phrase's directness and clarity make it a reliable option in most communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is absent

Indicates a complete lack of something, similar to "it is missing" but emphasizes non-existence rather than potential loss.

it is lacking

Highlights the deficiency of something, implying that something is needed or incomplete.

it is not present

A more formal way of saying "it is missing", emphasizing the absence of something in a specific location or context.

it is gone

Emphasizes that something has disappeared or is no longer available, often implying a sense of loss.

it is unavailable

Indicates that something cannot be obtained or accessed, focusing on its inaccessibility.

it is deficient

Highlights a shortage or inadequacy of something, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

it is wanting

Suggests that something is needed or desired, but currently absent or unfulfilled.

it is not included

Indicates that something has been deliberately excluded or omitted.

it is misplaced

Specifies that something is lost temporarily, but suggests it can potentially be found.

it cannot be found

Highlights the inability to locate something, often implying a search has been conducted.

FAQs

How can I use "it is missing" in a sentence?

You can use "it is missing" to indicate that something is not present or has disappeared. For example, "The key evidence was never found; "it is missing" from the crime scene."

What's a more formal way to say "it is missing"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it is absent" or "it is lacking" which convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

When is it appropriate to use "it is missing"?

"It is missing" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversation to news reports. However, be mindful of your audience and consider a more formal alternative for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "it is missing" and "it is lost"?

"It is missing" generally indicates that something is not where it should be, while "it is lost" suggests that something has been misplaced and its location is unknown. The former is more general; the latter implies a state of being lost.