they lacked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they lacked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is missing a particular quality, characteristic, or resource. Example: "Despite their efforts, they lacked the necessary skills to complete the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They lacked p63.

Experimental Eye Research

They lacked stability.

The Economist

That's not all they lacked.

The New Yorker

They lacked food and water.

The New Yorker

They lacked jaws.

The New York Times

They lacked positioning.

The Guardian - Sport

They lacked decision-making.

The Guardian - Sport

They lacked heavy weaponry.

The New York Times

They lacked this immediacy.

The New Yorker

They lacked key cell types.

The Washington Post

But they lacked a consistent effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they lacked", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the missing element is specific to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "they lacked", specify "they lacked essential resources".

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses using "they lacked" as it can create convoluted sentences. Break down complex ideas into simpler statements for better readability. Instead of "They lacked the funds, so they lacked the resources, and they lacked the ability to finish", try "They could not finish because they did not have sufficient funds or resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they lacked" functions as a statement of deficiency, indicating the absence of something needed or desired. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to express that a subject was missing a particular attribute or resource. The phrase is versatile and appears across diverse contexts, highlighting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they lacked" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate the absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase commonly appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity, specify what exactly "they lacked". Avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain readability. Consider using alternatives such as "they were deficient in" or "they were missing" for variety. This phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were deficient in

Replaces "lacked" with a more formal term, emphasizing a shortage or absence.

they were missing

Directly states that something was not present or available.

they were short on

Indicates a smaller quantity than needed.

they did not possess

Replaces "lacked" with a more formal term and emphasizes the absence of ownership or control.

they were without

Emphasizes the absence of something in a more direct way.

they were wanting in

Uses 'wanting' to describe a deficiency, slightly more archaic.

they failed to have

Highlights the failure to obtain or possess something.

they were devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence, often used for abstract qualities.

they had a deficit of

Highlights the shortage of something

they couldn't muster

Suggests a failure to gather or produce something, often effort or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "they lacked" in a sentence?

Use "they lacked" to indicate that a group or entity was missing something necessary. For example, "They lacked the experience needed for the job".

What are some alternatives to "they lacked"?

You can use alternatives like "they were deficient in", "they were short on", or "they were missing" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "they lacked" or "they did not have"?

"They lacked" is often more concise and can sound more formal than "they did not have", but both are grammatically correct. The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "they lacked" and "they required"?

"They lacked" indicates the absence of something, while "they required" indicates a need for something. For example, "They lacked resources" means resources were absent, whereas "They required resources" means resources were needed but may or may not have been present.