lacks access to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks access to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not have the ability or means to reach or utilize a particular resource or service. Example: "Many rural communities lacks access to high-speed internet, which hinders their ability to participate in the digital economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It lacks access to the most recent virus research information.

The New York Times

Still, half the nation's population lacks access to clean water, according to Unicef.

The New York Times

Much of the land not being used for agriculture in Iringa lacks access to water.

The Guardian

The largely underserved population lacks access to reliable energy or clean heating or insulation products.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The latter is significantly more secure than the former, but lacks access to business partners.

Cornell University

Currently, a tenth of the global population lacks access to safe drinking water.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Eighty percent of the country lacks access to food, fuel, clean water and health care.

The Washington Post

Despite that, one in eight Indians still lacks access to clean drinking water.

The Economist

The first is that one in five people on the planet lacks access to electricity.

The New York Times

Neglect of infrastructure means that almost 10% of the population lacks access to clean drinking water.

The Economist

Its main message, denouncing Kremlin corruption, is muffled because it lacks access to the airwaves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacks access to", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being lacked and why it's important. This helps convey the significance of the deprivation.

Common error

Avoid using "lacks access to" without providing specific details. Instead of saying "the community lacks access", specify "the community lacks access to clean drinking water" or "the community lacks access to reliable internet services" to provide a clearer and more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks access to" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state of deficiency or absence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it describing the lack of essential resources like clean water, electricity, or healthcare.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacks access to" is a versatile and widely used phrase for indicating a deficiency or absence of essential resources or opportunities. It is grammatically correct and accepted in formal and informal contexts alike. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news, academic, and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being lacked and its importance, and consider alternatives like "does not have access to" or "is deprived of access to" for different nuances. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey the significance of the deprivation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not have access to

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of permission or ability to use something.

has no access to

Similar to "does not have access to" but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

is deprived of access to

Highlights the act of being denied or prevented from having access.

is without access to

Emphasizes the state of being without something necessary or beneficial.

is denied access to

Focuses on the refusal or withholding of access by an external force.

cannot access

A simpler, more straightforward way of stating the inability to reach or use something.

is excluded from

Indicates being left out or prevented from participating in something.

is cut off from

Suggests a separation or isolation from a resource or service.

is unable to reach

Focuses on the physical or logistical inability to obtain something.

is deficient in

Emphasizes a shortage or inadequacy in the availability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "lacks access to" in a sentence?

Use "lacks access to" to indicate a deficiency or absence of something. For example, "The remote village "lacks access to" healthcare services" or "The student "lacks access to" necessary educational resources".

What are some alternatives to "lacks access to"?

You can use alternatives such as "does not have access to", "is deprived of access to", or "is without access to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lacks access to" or "does not have access to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "does not have access to" is more formal and direct. "Lacks access to" is more concise and commonly used in general writing.

What does it mean when someone "lacks access to" something?

It means they are unable to obtain, use, or benefit from a particular resource, service, or opportunity. This could be due to geographical, economic, or social barriers.