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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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something is missing

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something is missing" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to convey that something is absent or not present in a given situation. Example: "I was going through my suitcase and realized that something is missing. I can't find my favorite pair of earrings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But something is missing.

News & Media

The Economist

Something is missing, though.

Something is missing here.

News & Media

The New York Times

But still, something is missing.

News & Media

The New York Times

And yet, something is missing.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Something is missing," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

But something is missing from this picture.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It feels as if something is missing.

Something is missing – is it unity, faith?

Something is missing from our rhetoric.

But something is missing: the games.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the situation. While "something is missing" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "something is lacking".

Common error

While "something is missing" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound too informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise language or alternatives like "an essential element is lacking" for a more sophisticated tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is missing" functions as a statement expressing a perceived lack or absence. It typically serves to indicate that a necessary component, element, or quality is not present, creating a sense of incompleteness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

13%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something is missing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of lack or incompleteness. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting its prevalence across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "something is lacking" in professional settings. This phrase serves to prompt investigation or express dissatisfaction when an expected element is absent.

FAQs

How can I use "something is missing" in a sentence?

You can use "something is missing" to indicate that a necessary component or element is absent from a situation. For example, "I've reviewed the report, but I feel like "something is missing"."

What phrases can I use instead of "something is missing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "something is lacking", "something is absent", or "an element is missing".

Is it correct to say "something's missing" instead of "something is missing"?

Yes, "something's missing" is a contraction of "something is missing" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. However, "something is missing" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What does it mean when I feel like "something is missing" in my life?

When you feel like "something is missing" in your life, it often indicates a sense of incompleteness or dissatisfaction. It may be helpful to reflect on your values, goals, and relationships to identify what might be lacking.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: