lack of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an absence or deficiency of various items or resources. Example: "The project failed due to a lack of things necessary for its completion, such as funding and manpower."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Yet sometimes it is the lack of things that makes all the difference.

The New York Times - Books

The problem with this hypothesis is the distinct lack of things being illuminated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pros Despite Ossipee's sleepy appearance, there is never a lack of things to do.

The New York Times

A lot of people who lament a lack of things to see simply haven't gone looking.

The New Yorker

At home, I kept bumping into things and into the lack of things: a bathroom and a toilet, for instance.

The New Yorker

The lack of things to look at above water just helps to focus your mind on what's below.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

We are lacking lots of things, we lack the knowledge of craftsmanship which we need to restore them truly, this knowledge has been lost with our forefathers, so we lack, if you like, technical manpower.

Independent

Courage to change Sometimes, despite best efforts and pure conviction, things fail; conversely, sometimes, despite poor attitudes and lack of faith, things succeed.

Huffington Post

The whole oxygen, or lack-there-of thing.

Huffington Post

Distance translated into a lack of vital things.

The New York Times - Science

It was about the lack of these things in a relationship, and Madonna, of all people, wanting to warm somebody up.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of things", ensure the context clearly specifies what type of things are missing to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "lack of essential things" or "lack of necessary things".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of things" without specifying the context; overgeneralization can weaken your argument. Always clarify what specific items or resources are absent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a deficiency or absence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, illustrating its role in describing various shortages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of things" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression denoting a deficiency or absence of items, resources, or qualities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and common usage. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context to specify which "things" are lacking, avoiding overgeneralization. Common alternatives include "scarcity of items" and "paucity of resources". Its usage spans various contexts, notably in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, maintaining a neutral register. To improve clarity, always specify the context of the "lack of things".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcity of items

Emphasizes the limited availability of items.

shortage of goods

Indicates an insufficient supply of goods.

paucity of resources

Highlights a limited supply of resources.

dearth of materials

Emphasizes a severe lack of materials.

absence of necessities

Focuses on the missing essential items.

absence of objects

Focuses on the non-existence of objects.

insufficiency of supplies

Highlights the inadequacy of supplies.

deficiency of possessions

Highlights the inadequacy of possessions.

limited availability

Focuses on the restricted access or presence.

inadequate provision

Emphasizes the insufficient provision of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of things" to describe a situation where something is missing or deficient. For example, "The project failed due to a "lack of things" necessary for its completion".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lack of things"?

Alternatives include "scarcity of items", "paucity of resources", or "shortage of goods" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lack of things"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is a common and acceptable way to express the absence or deficiency of items or resources.

How does "lack of things" differ from "lack of something"?

"Lack of things" generally refers to a deficiency of multiple items or resources, whereas "lack of something" refers to the absence of a single, specific item or concept. You may want to consider using a related phrase like "absence of necessities".