missing link

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing link" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a crucial element or piece of information that is needed to complete a puzzle or to understand a situation fully. Example: "The researchers believe they have found the missing link that explains the evolution of the species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Who's the missing link?

The Guardian

He's the missing link.

The New York Times - Arts

LABOUR is globalisation's missing link.

The Economist

Is Ida the missing link?

The Guardian

The missing link was Portland.

The New York Times

He was not the missing link.

The New York Times - Sports

But Twitter is the missing link.

The Guardian

"It's the missing link, so to speak," he said.

The New Yorker

The missing link — What is this movie about?

The New Yorker

It's the missing link between Monteverdi and Frankie Valli.

The New York Times

She's the missing link between Thom Bell and Burial.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "missing link" to describe a crucial element that, once found or understood, completes a process, theory, or understanding. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the link is connecting or resolving.

Common error

Avoid using "missing link" loosely to describe any missing item. It should represent a significant piece that fundamentally changes understanding or completion, not just a minor or trivial omission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing link" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a crucial but absent element needed to complete a process, solve a problem, or fully understand a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "missing link" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a crucial, yet absent, element. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its widespread use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, with a neutral to professional tone. When writing, ensure "missing link" accurately describes a significant piece, not just a minor omission. Alternatives like "crucial element" or "essential component" can be used depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing piece of the puzzle

Directly references the idea of something needed to complete a picture or solve a problem.

crucial element

Emphasizes the importance of the missing component in achieving completeness.

essential component

Highlights the necessity of the missing part for the system or process to function correctly.

vital connection

Focuses on the connecting role of the missing link, suggesting it bridges a gap.

key ingredient

Implies that the missing element is a critical part of a recipe or formula.

necessary piece

Indicates that the element is needed to complete a puzzle or resolve an issue.

integral part

Stresses the element's importance as an inherent and necessary component.

connecting factor

Highlights the role of the link in establishing a relationship or bond.

bridge between

Suggests that the missing element acts as a connector between two distinct entities.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of a particular point in time or a stage in a process that is missing.

FAQs

How can I use "missing link" in a sentence?

You can use "missing link" to refer to something essential that is lacking. For example, "The research team believes they have found the "missing link" between these two historical events."

What can I say instead of "missing link"?

You can use alternatives like "crucial element", "essential component", or "vital connection" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "missing link" in a formal academic paper?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "missing link" in formal academic writing, especially when discussing theories or processes where a critical element is yet to be discovered or understood. However, ensure that its use is precise and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

What is the historical context of the term "missing link"?

Historically, "missing link" referred to a hypothetical transitional form between apes and humans in evolutionary theory. While still used in this context, it now more broadly describes any critical, yet undiscovered, element in various fields.