it lacks

USAGE SUMMARY

"it lacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to refer to a situation or object not having or containing something that would otherwise be expected or needed. For example, "This essay lacks some specific details that would make it more interesting to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It lacks irony.

The New York Times - Arts

It lacks dates.

The Economist

It lacks equivocation.

The New York Times

Moreover, it lacks glamour.

The Economist

It lacks nutrients.

The New York Times - Arts

It lacks the means.

The Economist

It lacks flexibility.

The Economist

It lacks geographical meaning.

The Washington Post

It lacks a verb.

The New York Times

It lacks context.

The Guardian - Books

It lacks democratic legitimacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it lacks" to point out specific deficiencies or missing components in an objective and clear manner. For example, "The proposal lacks a detailed budget."

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "it lacks" in overly informal settings. Sometimes, a simpler phrase like "it doesn't have" will sound more natural and less stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lacks" functions as a declarative statement indicating that something is missing a particular attribute or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to identify a deficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lacks" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the absence of a particular attribute or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, it serves to objectively point out deficiencies. While it can be used in various settings, being mindful of formality is essential. Alternatives such as "it is deficient in" or "it does not have" can offer stylistic variations. Be sure to use it to clearly identify missing components or qualities in an objective manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is missing

Directly states the absence of something, often used for tangible items or qualities.

it is deficient in

Emphasizes the inadequacy or insufficiency of something in a more formal tone.

it is wanting in

Highlights a lack or absence of something, often implying a need or requirement.

it does not have

Expresses the absence of possession in a straightforward manner.

it falls short on

Focuses on the failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

it fails to include

Highlights the omission of something that should have been present.

it is without

Formally indicates the absence of something.

it is devoid of

Implies a complete absence of something, often with a negative connotation.

it doesn't offer

Emphasizes the absence of a specific feature or option.

it excludes

Focuses on the specific exclusion of a feature or element.

FAQs

How can I use "it lacks" in a sentence?

Use "it lacks" to indicate that something is missing a necessary or desirable quality or component. For example, "The presentation "it lacks" visual aids" or "The novel "it lacks" character development."

What are some alternatives to "it lacks"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is missing", "it does not have", or "it is deficient in" depending on the specific context. For example, instead of saying "The report "it lacks" sufficient data", you could say "The report "it is missing" sufficient data".

Is it more formal to say "it lacks" or "it doesn't have"?

"It lacks" generally sounds more formal than "it doesn't have". Use "it lacks" in professional or academic writing, and "it doesn't have" in more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "it lacks" and "it requires"?

"It lacks" indicates a deficiency or absence, while "it requires" indicates a necessity or need. For example, "The recipe "it lacks" salt" means salt is missing, whereas "The recipe "it requires" salt" means salt is necessary for the recipe to work.