total absence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total absence of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete lack or nonexistence of something. Example: "The report highlighted the total absence of evidence to support the claims made by the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The total absence of plants.

The Guardian

(A total absence of ego).

The New York Times

6 The total absence of weather.

The Guardian

I was struck by a total absence of aggression.

The Guardian - Travel

A total absence of green NGO voices was shocking.

The Guardian

What saves it is the total absence of self-pity.

The Guardian - Books

Most striking was the almost total absence of safety precautions.

The New York Times

The total absence of children, known to soldiers as a "combat indicator," certainly raises the tension.

The Guardian

The depth of the snow after the storm, the total absence of anyone else around.

The Guardian - Travel

The total absence of emotion empties this art of all pleasure.

The Guardian - Arts

"There was a total absence of service, and the rooms were terrible".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "total absence of", ensure it accurately reflects a complete lack. Avoid using it if something is merely scarce or diminished.

Common error

Avoid using "total absence of" when a partial lack or reduction is more accurate. Overstating can weaken your argument or create misleading impressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total absence of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, typically preceding a noun to indicate a complete lack of the noun in question. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total absence of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the complete lack of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable. While it's versatile across various contexts, its prominence in news and media suggests a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects an absolute lack rather than a mere scarcity. Alternatives like "complete lack of" or "utter lack of" can be used for similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete lack of

Emphasizes the completeness of the lack, similar to "total absence of".

utter lack of

Highlights the extreme degree of the lack.

complete nonexistence of

Focuses on the fact that something does not exist at all.

entire absence of

Synonymous with "total absence of", stressing the entirety of the absence.

lack of any

Indicates that there is not even a small amount of something.

nonexistence of

Directly states that something does not exist.

dearth of

Implies a scarcity or shortage, suggesting a strong absence.

paucity of

Similar to 'dearth', indicating a small quantity or an inadequate amount.

void of

Indicates that something is completely empty or lacking.

without any

Highlights the condition of being completely without something.

FAQs

How can I use "total absence of" in a sentence?

Use "total absence of" to describe a complete lack of something. For example, "The investigation revealed a "total absence of" evidence."

What are some alternatives to "total absence of"?

Alternatives include "complete lack of", "utter lack of", or "complete nonexistence of", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "total absence of" or "complete absence of"?

Both "total absence of" and "complete absence of" are acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they convey essentially the same meaning.

When should I use "absence of" versus "total absence of"?

"Absence of" indicates a lack, while "total absence of" emphasizes that the lack is complete and absolute. Use "total absence of" when you want to stress the thoroughness of the lack.