may be missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be missing" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate possibility in a variety of contexts. For example: We searched the entire house, but the keys may be missing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

MISSING INGREDIENTS Kids who go organic for breakfast may be missing out on their vitamins.

The New York Times

But he may be missing the point.

The Economist

I may be missing other nuances too.

The Guardian

My grandfather may be missing, but he is not forgotten.

The New York Times

In one sample, a ring may be missing altogether.

The New Yorker

In fact, Democrats may be missing the bigger picture.

The New York Times

But Business Week may be missing the big catch: taxes.

The New York Times

I feel you may be missing the point here.

The Guardian

It may be missing a groom for the auxiliary horse".

The New York Times - Arts

The speculative euphoria of 2007 may be missing.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The seasonal mechanical elves and snow scenes may be missing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be missing", ensure the context clearly indicates what could be missing and the potential implications. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be missing" without clearly defining what is potentially missing. For example, instead of saying "Information may be missing", specify "Key information about the project's budget may be missing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be missing" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty. It indicates that something is potentially absent or has not been found, aligning with Ludwig's observation that the phrase is usable in various contexts. It is commonly used to convey a lack of certainty about the location or existence of an item or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be missing" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility that something is absent or unaccounted for. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in diverse contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to scientific publications, with a neutral register suitable for professional and casual communication. While commonly used, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what is potentially missing to avoid ambiguity. When a more direct statement is required, consider alternatives like "is missing" or "has disappeared". However, when uncertainty prevails, "may be missing" provides a balanced and appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be absent

Expresses a possibility of absence, slightly more formal.

might be gone

Indicates a possibility of something having disappeared.

could be unaccounted for

Emphasizes the lack of tracking or explanation for something's whereabouts.

potentially lacking

Highlights the deficiency or incompleteness of something.

possibly omitted

Suggests a chance of intentional or unintentional exclusion.

perhaps not included

Indicates uncertainty about the inclusion of something.

conceivably absent

Highlights the possibility of being absent, adding a level of surprise if confirmed.

inadvertently skipped

Emphasizes unintentional omission.

are possibly deficient

Highlights the possibility of being deficient in some aspects, focusing on inadequacy.

are perhaps deficient

Highlights the possibility of being deficient in some aspects, focusing on inadequacy, and using "perhaps" to soften the impact.

FAQs

How can I use "may be missing" in a sentence?

Use "may be missing" to indicate a possibility that something is absent or has not been found. For instance, "Some files may be missing from the report", or "The original version of the document may be missing".

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "may be missing"?

You can use alternatives like "could be absent", "might be gone", or "potentially lacking" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "may be missing"?

It's suitable when expressing uncertainty about the presence or availability of something. It suggests a possibility rather than a certainty, often implying a need for further investigation or clarification.

What's the difference between "may be missing" and "is missing"?

"May be missing" indicates a possibility or uncertainty about something being absent, whereas "is missing" states a definite fact that something is absent. For example, "The document may be missing" suggests uncertainty, while "The document is missing" asserts it as a confirmed fact.