those lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "those lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups who do not possess a certain quality, resource, or characteristic. Example: "The charity focuses on providing support and resources for those lacking access to education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Builders would put up ruins for those lacking them.

The New York Times - Books

The eighth king punishes those lacking in filial piety.

Britannica

Those lacking the right paperwork are to be scrapped.

The Economist

Their emphasis on aiming to provide sustainable energy access to those lacking it is certainly inspiring.

Columbia University

Beneath the arena's marquee, those lacking tickets were bargaining with scalpers.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not, however, a book for those lacking some knowledge of recent Chinese history.

The New York Times - Books

Those lacking such thespian skills search for props, pallets or people.

The Guardian

He could do nothing for those lacking drinking water or waiting for food rations.

The New York Times

For those lacking a dish, excerpts are broadcast on 350 public television stations.

The New York Times

In 1985, 22percentt of poor renters lived in substandard homes, like those lacking reliable plumbing.

The New York Times

Disproportionately, those lacking such documents are minorities and younger voters — groups that tend to back Democrats.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "those lacking", ensure the context clearly specifies what is missing. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Be specific about what is lacking. Instead of saying "support those lacking", specify "support those lacking access to healthcare" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those lacking" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying a subset of people based on the absence of a particular characteristic. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing its prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those lacking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe individuals or groups who are deficient in something. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions as a determiner phrase, serving to identify and categorize. While the phrase is mostly used in News & Media and Science, it's suitable for neutral and formal communication. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being lacked. Common alternatives include "individuals without" and "people who do not have". Ludwig AI confirms that "those lacking" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individuals without

Emphasizes the absence of something in individuals.

people who do not have

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing the lack of something.

those deficient in

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy in a particular area.

persons devoid of

A more formal and emphatic way of stating the absence of something.

those deprived of

Focuses on the idea of being denied or lacking access to something.

people wanting in

An older, less common construction emphasizing a lack or deficiency.

those short on

Indicates a shortage or insufficient amount of something.

individuals missing

Directly points out the absence of a specific attribute or resource.

the have-nots

A collective term for those who lack material possessions or resources.

those bereft of

A more literary and formal way to express a complete lack of something.

FAQs

How can I use "those lacking" in a sentence?

Use "those lacking" to refer to a group of people who do not possess a particular quality, resource, or attribute. For example, "The program aims to support "those lacking access to education"".

What are some alternatives to "those lacking"?

Alternatives include "individuals without", "people who do not have", or "those deficient in", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to use "those lacking" in formal writing?

Yes, "those lacking" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically sound and widely accepted phrase for referring to individuals who are deficient in something.

What is the difference between "those lacking" and "the lacking"?

"Those lacking" refers to specific individuals or groups who lack something, while "the lacking" is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use "those lacking" for clarity and naturalness.