missing in action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing in action" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is unaccounted for or missing, often in a military context. Example: "Several soldiers were reported missing in action after the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Just missing in action".

The New York Times

You were missing in action".

The New York Times

"The Professor" was often missing in action.

The New York Times - Health

J. Watt was missing in action.

The New York Times

A sixth is missing in action.

The Economist

Mr. Miller was clearly missing in action".

The New York Times - Arts

Leman is missing in action.

The Guardian

Her fiancé is missing in action.

The New York Times - Books

Missing in action An immigration bill.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was missing-in-action for two months.

The New York Times

Vietnam War veterans and their supporters once sported missing-in-action bracelets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; while widely understood, "missing in action" carries a specific weight, particularly for those familiar with its military origins.

Common error

Avoid using "missing in action" to describe minor absences or delays. The phrase carries a significant weight and is most appropriate for serious situations where someone's whereabouts are genuinely unknown and a cause for concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing in action" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person) to indicate their status is unknown after a military engagement. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "missing in action" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjective phrase, primarily employed to describe individuals whose whereabouts are unknown following a military operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used across news and media, with neutral register but because of its origin needs to be used with caution in different contexts. Though rooted in military contexts, its application has broadened to encompass other situations where someone is inexplicably absent. When using the phrase, it's essential to consider the seriousness of the term and ensure its appropriateness. Consider alternatives like "unaccounted for" or "nowhere to be found" if a less weighty term is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaccounted for

Focuses on the lack of accountability or explanation for someone's whereabouts.

vanished

Simply indicates the act of disappearing, often suddenly.

nowhere to be found

Emphasizes the inability to locate someone or something despite searching.

lost without trace

Suggests a complete disappearance with no remaining evidence.

out of contact

Emphasizes the absence of communication, possibly temporary.

gone astray

Implies a deviation from the correct path or expected location.

off the radar

Indicates a deliberate avoidance of contact or detection.

absent without leave

Specifically refers to unauthorized absence, often in a military context.

incommunicado

Highlights the lack of communication, often due to isolation or captivity.

not present

A straightforward statement of absence, lacking the gravity of "missing in action".

FAQs

How is "missing in action" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "missing in action" is generally used as an adjective to describe a person, often a soldier, whose whereabouts are unknown following a military action. For instance, "The soldier was declared "missing in action" after the battle".

What are some alternative phrases to "missing in action"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unaccounted for", "nowhere to be found", or "lost without trace". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "missing in action" only used in military contexts?

While primarily associated with the military, "missing in action" can be used in other contexts to describe someone or something that is inexplicably absent, though it's crucial to consider the tone and potential impact when doing so.

What does it mean when someone is declared "missing in action"?

When someone is declared "missing in action", it means they were involved in a military operation, and their whereabouts are unknown. It doesn't necessarily mean they are dead, but their status is uncertain pending further investigation.