largely absent

USAGE SUMMARY

"largely absent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is mostly or entirely gone or lacking, as in the example sentence, "The crowd at the stadium was largely absent due to the cold weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politics were largely absent.

The New Yorker

Political subjects are largely absent.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet economics is largely absent.

The Guardian - Books

Ideology was largely absent from the rowing.

The Economist

Largely absent have been issues of policy.

The Economist

The broadcast networks were largely absent.

The New York Times

Such extremes are largely absent here.

The Guardian - Music

They are largely absent in cars.

The New York Times

Drama, suspense and emotion are largely absent.

The New York Times - Books

Traditional tungsten bulbs were largely absent.

The New York Times - Tech

Those safe-keepers are largely absent from the streets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "largely absent", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is expected or typical, thereby emphasizing the deviation or lack.

Common error

Avoid using "largely absent" when something is completely missing. Instead, opt for phrases like "completely absent" or "entirely lacking" to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely absent" functions as an adverbial modifier qualifying an adjective or noun. It indicates a state of near-absence or significant lack. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it's used across various contexts to denote that something is missing to a great extent, but perhaps not entirely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "largely absent" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is significantly lacking or mostly missing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While it conveys a strong sense of absence, it's important to distinguish it from "completely absent", as the former implies some presence, however minimal. Consider using alternatives like "mostly missing" or "substantially absent" for variety, and avoid using it when something is entirely absent. The phrase's frequency and diverse usage across reputable sources underscore its reliability and effectiveness in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely nonexistent

Emphasizes that something essentially does not exist or is not present.

mostly missing

Indicates a slightly less formal tone and emphasizes the majority aspect of the absence.

predominantly lacking

Similar to "largely absent", but emphasizes that the absence is the primary characteristic.

almost entirely lacking

Highlights the comprehensive extent of the absence with a slightly more emphatic tone.

for the most part absent

Highlights that the absence is true in most instances, although there might be some exceptions.

substantially absent

Emphasizes the significant degree to which something is not present.

markedly deficient

Focuses on the noticeable inadequacy or lack of something.

generally not present

A more straightforward way of expressing the idea of something being mostly absent.

scarcely present

Suggests that something is present only in very small amounts or instances.

conspicuously missing

Suggests that the absence is easily noticeable or attracting attention.

FAQs

How can I use "largely absent" in a sentence?

You can use "largely absent" to describe something that is mostly missing or lacking. For example, "Political subjects are "largely absent" in this artwork".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "largely absent"?

Some alternatives to "largely absent" include "mostly missing", "almost entirely lacking", or "substantially absent".

Is it appropriate to use "largely absent" in formal writing?

Yes, "largely absent" is suitable for formal writing, as it's a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "largely absent" and "completely absent"?

"Largely absent" indicates that something is mostly, but not entirely, missing. "Completely absent", on the other hand, means something is entirely missing without any presence whatsoever. The choice depends on the degree of absence you wish to convey.