those who lack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "those who lack" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to a group of people who do not have a particular quality or attribute. Example: "In our society, there are many resources available for those who lack access to education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those who lack it are Rh negative.

The New York Times

Those who lack the means go anyway.

The New York Times

That's gaseous blathering from those who lack quantitative rigor.

The New York Times

(Zealots are more frightening than those who lack conviction).

The New York Times

Spin wizardry matters, because we lambast those who lack it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"TV influences those who lack real-world contact," Schiappa says.

The Washington Post

Unfotunately, the opposite is also true for those who lack social connectedness.

Stanford University

And those who lack it, such as people who are autistic, are at a social disadvantage.

The Economist

Such steps will make health care much more affordable to those who lack employer-based coverage.

The New York Times

These will provide for those who lack access to employers' schemes.

The Economist

It denies opportunities to serve to those who lack the money to take them on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "those who lack", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being lacked to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "those who lack", specify "those who lack resources".

Common error

Avoid using "those who lack" when referring to a single individual; use "the one who lacks" or "someone who lacks" instead to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those who lack" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a group of people characterized by the absence of a particular attribute or resource. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those who lack" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that identifies a group of people defined by a shared absence of something. Ludwig confirms its wide application. Its neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for news, academic, and professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being lacked. Related phrases like "those without" or "individuals lacking" can offer variety. Remember to maintain grammatical accuracy by using singular forms when referring to individuals. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources reinforces its validity and utility in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those without

A more direct and simple way to express the absence of something.

those missing

A shorter, more casual way of saying lacking.

individuals lacking

Replaces "those" with "individuals", making it slightly more formal.

people who do not have

A very explicit and clear alternative.

those deficient in

Replaces "lack" with "deficient in", emphasizing a shortage or inadequacy.

people devoid of

Uses "devoid of" to highlight a complete absence of something.

those not possessing

A more formal and explicit way of saying lacking.

those short on

Implies a limited quantity rather than a complete absence.

those wanting in

An older, slightly more formal way of saying lacking.

those bereft of

Emphasizes a loss or deprivation of something.

FAQs

How do I use "those who lack" in a sentence?

Use "those who lack" to refer to a group of people who do not possess a specific quality, resource, or characteristic. For example, "This program is designed to support "those who lack" access to healthcare".

What are some alternatives to "those who lack"?

Alternatives include "those without", "individuals lacking", or "people devoid of", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to use "those who lack" in formal writing?

Yes, "those who lack" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, ensure the surrounding language is equally formal to maintain consistency.

What's the difference between "those who lack" and "those who are lacking"?

"Those who lack" is generally preferred for its conciseness and directness. "Those who are lacking" is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound slightly redundant. Choose the phrasing that best fits the overall tone and flow of your writing.