the missing name

USAGE SUMMARY

"the missing name" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
Example: "I received a letter from an old friend, but there was one problem - the missing name in the address. I couldn't remember who it was from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The missing name is America.

The Economist

With long, tapering fingers, he tried to pluck the missing name out of the air.

The New Yorker

But the books are beautiful, and there's always a big-eyed, delighted intake of breath when the child finds the missing name reunited and replaced at the end.

The Guardian - Books

Twitter users were quick to point out the missing name and accused the White House of doing it on purpose.

Huffington Post

If a name disappears, the site automatically identifies that the missing name is someone who has unfollowed you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The missing names, however, are not really what's important.

The New York Times - Arts

But the missing names that attracted most attention were those of the former prime ministers.

The New York Times

Then we had a discussion of some of the missing names.

The New York Times

Certainly the missing names did not slow co-founder Daniel Ek's quest to license all the world's music.

The New Yorker

The only thing wrong with the picture was the number of empty seats that remained visible in the stands as the game progressed — and the missing names from the Yankees' lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

Scotland have forgotten how to finish, but what if you bled some of the missing names back into the team?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the missing name" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what or who the name refers to. Providing additional details can enhance clarity and prevent confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "the missing name" without sufficient context. Without proper background information, readers may struggle to understand which name is being referenced, leading to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the missing name" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to identify a specific name that is absent or unknown in a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the missing name" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to indicate the absence of a particular name in a given context. As Ludwig highlights, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While the frequency is uncommon, its usage is straightforward, and its meaning is easily understood. Ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the name that's missing

A slightly rephrased version of the original, adding emphasis.

the absent name

Replaces 'missing' with 'absent', focusing on the lack of presence rather than the act of being lost.

the omitted name

Highlights the deliberate exclusion of a name.

the unmentioned name

Focuses on the lack of mention, similar to 'omitted'.

the name left out

Similar to 'omitted name' but uses a phrasal verb.

the name not included

Highlights the lack of inclusion of the name.

the forgotten name

Emphasizes the idea that the name has been lost to memory.

the unremembered name

Similar to 'forgotten name', focusing on the inability to recall.

the unknown name

Indicates that the name is not known or has not been revealed.

the name unspoken

Suggests that the name is intentionally not being said.

FAQs

How can I use "the missing name" in a sentence?

You can use "the missing name" to refer to a name that is absent from a list, document, or conversation. For example, "The missing name was on the tip of my tongue".

What is a good alternative to "the missing name"?

Alternatives include "the absent name", "the omitted name", or "the forgotten name", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the missing name" in formal writing?

Yes, "the missing name" is generally appropriate in formal writing as long as the context is clear and the usage is grammatically correct.

What does "the missing name" typically refer to?

"The missing name" usually refers to a person's name that is absent or has been forgotten. It can also refer to the name of an item or entity that is not present in a particular context.