presence

USAGE SUMMARY

'presence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the physical or intangible existence of someone or something, either in a particular place or virtually. For example: The presence of a calming ocean breeze filled the air.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A presence".

The New York Times

This indirect electoral maths suggests that Ukip's outsize influence on the national debate (relative to their parliamentary presence) could be set to continue as the major parties seek to fend off the threat in their key marginal constituencies.

The Guardian

This was a worthy sequel to the previous day, when, as one wit remarked, a party with just one MP had managed a backbench rebellion – as Ukip's solitary presence in Westminster, Douglas Carswell resisted party pressure to take the parliamentary subsidy known as Short money.

The Guardian - Opinion

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

And how conscious have you been of the presence of your great predecessors in the building while you've been working on the Old Vic stage yourself?

The Guardian

"As I've said consistently and as the opposition has been advised, we are working with our partners who have announced support and a presence within west Africa, including obviously the US and the UK but other European and Asian partners as well, about what arrangements we could put in place if we were minded to send Australian health workers into west Africa," he said in Brisbane on Sunday.

The Guardian

He admitted that the presence of hen harriers was a threat to the profitability of the grouse shoots.

The Guardian

Achebe had become the words he had created, a disembodied presence, an immortal.

The Guardian - Books

Like him, the other detainees had been snatched by US soldiers from Iraq's towns and cities and flown to a place that had already become infamous: a foreboding desert fortress that would shape the legacy of the US presence in Iraq.

The Guardian

Leonard also talks about Britain being a diminished presence internationally – "Berlin would be the first port of call for any US president – we would be marginal" – before we chew over one of the most practical questions at stake.

The Guardian

On ITV Tom Bradby provided charm, insight and a good array of guests, Adam Boulton was a commanding presence at the heart of Sky's programme – but they lack the ambition or sense of occasion the BBC brings and their secondary presenters offer charm, but less expertise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presence" to denote not just physical location, but also influence or impact, as in "a strong online presence".

Common error

Avoid confusing "presence", which means 'being present', with "presents", which are gifts. Always double-check your spelling for accurate communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "presence" is as a noun. It denotes the state or fact of being present, or the manner in which one appears or behaves. Ludwig AI identifies its use across varied contexts, confirming its noun status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presence" functions primarily as a noun, indicating the state of being present or having an impact. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and demonstrates its versatile use across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. The word appears very frequently in modern English. To avoid confusion, remember that "presence" (being present) is different from "presents" (gifts).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existence

Emphasizes the fact of being real or extant, focusing on the state of being rather than the effect or perception.

attendance

Specifically refers to the act of being present at a particular place or event.

being there

Highlights the physical act of being in a specific location.

impact

Focuses on the effect or influence someone or something has.

appearance

Refers to the act of showing up or becoming visible.

influence

Highlights the power to affect someone or something.

visibility

Emphasizes the degree to which something can be seen or noticed.

involvement

Highlights active participation or engagement in something.

manifestation

Refers to the clear appearance or display of something, especially something abstract or intangible.

occupancy

Refers to the state of inhabiting or occupying a place or position.

FAQs

How can I use "presence" in a sentence?

You can use "presence" to describe the state of being in a particular place, or to describe the impact or influence someone or something has. For example: "The security guard's presence deterred potential thieves."

What's the difference between "presence" and "attendance"?

"Presence" generally refers to the state of being in a place or having an impact, while "attendance" specifically refers to the act of being present at a particular event or location.

What can I say instead of "presence"?

You can use alternatives like "existence", "appearance", or "impact", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "online presence"?

Yes, "online presence" is a common and correct term used to describe a company's or individual's activity and visibility on the internet.