lack of oxygen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of oxygen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to health, biology, or environmental discussions, particularly when referring to situations where oxygen is insufficient. Example: "The climbers experienced a lack of oxygen at high altitudes, which made it difficult for them to breathe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or suffocate from the lack of oxygen.

The Guardian - Travel

Victims can turn blue from lack of oxygen.

The New York Times

His brain had been damaged from lack of oxygen.

The New York Times

A lack of blood flow meant a lack of oxygen.

The New York Times - Sports

They die from lack of oxygen," Macklin said.

The Guardian

Blueness around the lips, from lack of oxygen.

The Washington Post

It died very soon after from lack of oxygen.

The New York Times

For all its lack of oxygen, this was a game won by the team who breathed.

The Guardian - Sport

That when she was born she suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain.

The Guardian - Music

Some parts were literally dead in the summer from lack of oxygen.

The New York Times - Science

The agency said one person died in hospital due to a lack of oxygen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In environmental contexts, specify the cause of the "lack of oxygen", such as "lack of oxygen due to pollution" or "lack of oxygen in high altitudes".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of oxygen" interchangeably with related but distinct conditions. For example, "shortness of breath" refers to difficulty breathing, while "lack of oxygen" specifically denotes a deficiency in available oxygen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of oxygen" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a condition or state of insufficient oxygen availability, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples in health, environmental, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of oxygen" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a state of insufficient oxygen availability. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it serves a general purpose, specific terms like "hypoxia" or "anoxia" may be preferred in medical or technical contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to clarify the cause and consequences of the oxygen deficiency for clear communication. Considering Ludwig's analysis, the phrase "lack of oxygen" is a versatile and easily understood term for describing situations involving insufficient oxygen.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oxygen deprivation

Focuses on the act of being deprived of oxygen.

oxygen deficiency

Highlights the insufficient amount of oxygen present.

hypoxia

A medical term referring to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

insufficient oxygen supply

Emphasizes the inadequate delivery of oxygen.

oxygen starvation

Highlights the body's need for oxygen not being met.

anoxia

A medical term denoting a complete absence of oxygen.

low oxygen levels

Refers to reduced concentration of oxygen.

impaired oxygenation

Indicates that the process of providing oxygen is compromised.

respiratory distress

Describes the difficulty in breathing and obtaining oxygen.

asphyxiation

Focuses on the state of being deprived of oxygen to the point of unconsciousness or death.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of oxygen" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of oxygen" to describe various situations where oxygen is insufficient, such as "The patient suffered brain damage due to a "lack of oxygen" during birth" or "The fish died from a "lack of oxygen" in the polluted water".

What are some synonyms for "lack of oxygen"?

Alternatives to "lack of oxygen" include "oxygen deprivation", "oxygen deficiency", "hypoxia", and "anoxia", depending on the context and level of detail required.

What causes a "lack of oxygen" in the body?

A "lack of oxygen" in the body can be caused by various factors, including respiratory diseases, high altitude, suffocation, and certain medical conditions that impair oxygen transport in the blood.

What is the difference between "hypoxia" and "anoxia"?

"Hypoxia" refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, while "anoxia" indicates a complete absence of oxygen. "Anoxia" is a more severe condition than "hypoxia".