might be missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'might be missing' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing uncertainty about something that is absent or not present. For example, "I think a few items might be missing from my order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You might be missing out.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, I think you might be missing the point.

The New York Times

Any tips for what New Yorkers might be missing?

The New Yorker

"I think he might be missing me," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recent N.F.L. history shows just what might be missing.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, we wondered what we might be missing.

The New York Times - Science

What can students gain from online resources that might be missing from the supervisor-student relationship?

The Guardian

What perspectives do you think might be missing from this account?

The New York Times

I had to Google him, so I might be missing other stuff here.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet one can't help but feel that Warners might be missing a crucial point, here.

The Guardian - Film

Or are there aesthetic experiences you might be missing that way?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be missing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is potentially absent or overlooked. For example, specify the items that "might be missing" from an inventory.

Common error

Avoid using "might be missing" without clearly specifying what the missing element is. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "Something might be missing", be specific like "The key evidence might be missing from the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be missing" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or uncertainty about the absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It indicates a supposition rather than a definitive statement of absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be missing" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of something being absent or overlooked. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in "Science" and "Wiki" sources, making it suitable for various levels of formality. To use the phrase effectively, ensure clarity about what "might be missing" to avoid vagueness. Alternative expressions include "could be absent", "may be lacking", and "could be overlooked", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be absent

Expresses a similar possibility of something not being present, but with a slightly different nuance.

may be lacking

Suggests that something is potentially deficient or incomplete.

may be absent

Similar to "could be absent", but with a slightly higher degree of uncertainty.

may not be present

Formally states the uncertainty of something's existence or presence.

could be overlooked

Indicates the possibility that something has not been noticed or considered.

might not be included

Focuses on the uncertainty regarding inclusion, similar to "could be left out".

could be left out

Expresses the possibility of something not being included.

could be excluded

Suggests the possibility that something has been left out or omitted.

could be unavailable

Indicates the possibility of something not being accessible or obtainable.

may have been omitted

Implies a past action of leaving something out, with a degree of uncertainty.

FAQs

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

Use "might be missing" to express uncertainty about something that could be absent or overlooked. For example, "Some details "might be missing" from the initial draft".

What are some alternatives to "might be missing"?

Alternatives include "could be absent", "may be lacking", or "could be overlooked", depending on the specific context.

Which is more certain: "might be missing" or "is missing"?

"Is missing" indicates certainty, while "might be missing" suggests uncertainty or possibility. The choice depends on the degree of confidence you want to express.

What's the difference between "might be missing" and "could be missing"?

Both "might be missing" and "could be missing" express possibility. They are often interchangeable, although "could" can sometimes imply a slightly higher degree of possibility compared to "might".