lacking surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not have a surface or is missing a surface layer, often in a technical or artistic context. Example: "The sculpture appeared to be lacking surface detail, making it difficult to appreciate the artist's intent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Lacking surface water, Chennai relied for decades on wells.

The New Yorker

Due to the strong karstification the Gunung Sewu is marked by lacking surface runoff.

Applied Water Science

We present a system that allows continuous in situ recombination by using an Esherichia coli F-based conjugation system lacking surface exclusion.

Metabolic Engineering

CTCs were defined as nucleated cells (DAPI+) expressing cytoplasmic cytokeratins 8, 18, or 19 and lacking surface expression of the common leukocyte antigen (CD45) [ 18].

Breast Cancer Research

Immunophenotyping of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the small bowel can differentiate refractory type II coeliac disease patients with aberrant phenotype, lacking surface expression of CD3 and CD8, at high risk of developing enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Conversely, a clonal expansion of abnormal IELs lacking surface CD3, CD8, and TCR markers, but expressing intracellular CD3, indicates RCD type 2 (RCD2), a condition that frequently evolves into EATL, the most serious complication of CD.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Parasites expressing an inefficiently processed MSP1 mutant show delayed egress, and merozoites lacking surface-bound MSP1 display a severe egress defect.

Cell Host and Microbe

However, the fact that RAP-treated 3D7MSP1flox42C parasites lacking surface-bound MSP1 produce normal numbers of merozoites and replicate in vitro (albeit at a very reduced rate) shows that merozoite surface MSP1 is dispensable for merozoite development and invasion in blood stages.

Cell Host and Microbe

When this particle reached the substrate, it lacked surface energy to be deposited firmly and had a different orientation with no ordering.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

The fresh water lake lacks surface outflow, and its recharge depends on river Malewa flowing from upper catchment in Aberdare ranges.

Ecological Processes

The tail vertebrae also lacked surface hollows.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical characteristics, ensure the context clearly defines what type of "surface" is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking surface" when you mean "lacking details". "Surface" specifically refers to an exterior boundary, not the complexity or completeness of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking surface" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and used to describe the absence of an outer layer or boundary. It indicates a deficiency in having a surface, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lacking surface" is grammatically sound and serves to describe the absence of a surface on an object or concept. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in scientific contexts, but also appears in news and media and on wikis. The phrase's register varies depending on the context, ranging from formal in academic settings to neutral in news reports. Several alternatives exist, such as "without a surface" or "devoid of surface", offering nuanced ways to express the same concept. Understanding these nuances can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a surface

Replaces "lacking" with its direct synonym, focusing on the absence of a surface.

devoid of surface

Uses "devoid" to emphasize the complete absence of a surface.

missing a surface

Focuses on the absence of a surface element that should be present.

surface-less

Combines the words to create a single adjective indicating the absence of a surface.

without external layer

Specifies that the absence pertains to an external layer, synonymous with surface.

surface absent

Reorders the words while maintaining the same core meaning.

no surface present

Emphasizes the non-existence of a surface.

deficient in surface area

Highlights a shortage in the amount of surface.

without superficial area

Replaces surface with superficial area.

lacking an outer face

Focuses on the absence of an outer face as a substitute for surface.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking surface" in a sentence?

"Lacking surface" describes something that does not have a surface layer. For example, "The planet, being a gas giant, is "lacking surface"."

What does "lacking surface" mean in scientific terms?

In science, "lacking surface" can refer to a material or structure that does not have an outer layer or boundary, like a gas or a particular cell type "lacking surface" markers.

What's the difference between "without a surface" and "lacking surface"?

The phrases "without a surface" and "lacking surface" are nearly interchangeable. "Lacking surface" might imply something is missing a surface it should have, while "without a surface" simply states the absence of one.

When is it appropriate to use "lacking surface"?

Use "lacking surface" when you want to describe the absence of an outer layer, boundary, or face on an object, material, or concept.