was found to be missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was found to be missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something was discovered to be absent or not present. Example: "During the inventory check, several items were found to be missing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Danielle was found to be missing from her bedroom on the morning of Feb. 2.

The New York Times

The recall began after a piece of metal was found to be missing from a sieve at the factory.

The Times

According to other versions, Mr Maxwell was found to be missing at around 11am when he failed to answer a telephone call to his cabin.

The Guardian

When the box was unloaded the day before Horatio and the rest of the expedition arrived, equipment for the trip-wire was found to be missing.

The Guardian

The work, Les Choristes (The Chorus), was found to be missing from the Musée Cantini by a security guard when he opened up.

The Guardian - Arts

One child was found to be missing at the last minute in Haiti, and Jamie McMutrie stayed behind to find her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Systematic testing of our dataset, however, suggests that potential errors were found in equal proportions in cases and controls, and all missing data were found to be missing at random.

British Medical Journal

When information is found to be missing, the design is held until the questions and ambiguities are resolved.

Embedded Multitasking With Small Microcontrollers

In polar regions, two prominent spatial structures observed by CHAMP are found to be missing in the IRI prediction.

Advances in Space Research

McDonough became interim director in June 2008, after four handguns were found to be missing from the jail armory.

The Washington Post

Nonetheless, 13 different contiguous segments of the genome were found to be missing exclusively in each of the subsp. holarctica strains tested.

FEMS Microbiology Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was found to be missing", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what made the discovery. For example, "The keys were found to be missing by the security guard."

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who made the discovery. Instead of "It was found to be missing", specify who found it: "The auditor found the document to be missing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was found to be missing" functions as a passive construction indicating the discovery of something's absence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

47%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was found to be missing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase indicating the discovery of something absent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including reporting missing items, people, or data. While versatile, it is important to consider who made the discovery, and sometimes rephrasing in the active voice can improve clarity. Alternatives like "was discovered to be absent" or "was unaccounted for" can add nuance to your writing. The phrase is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was discovered to be absent

Replaces "found" with "discovered" and "missing" with "absent", emphasizing the discovery of its absence.

was detected as missing

Substitutes "found" with "detected", highlighting the act of identifying something is missing.

was determined to be missing

Emphasizes the process of determining that something is missing.

was realized to be missing

Focuses on the realization that something is not present.

was noted as missing

Highlights that something was noted or recorded as being absent.

was unaccounted for

Indicates that something's location or status is unknown.

was nowhere to be found

Expresses that a search was conducted, but nothing was found.

had disappeared

Implies that something vanished, without specifying the finding process.

was gone

A simpler way of stating absence.

went missing

Highlights the action of disappearing, rather than the state of being missing after discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "was found to be missing" in a sentence?

Use "was found to be missing" to describe the discovery of something's absence. For example, "The painting "was found to be missing" from the museum during the night."

What are some alternatives to saying "was found to be missing"?

You can use alternatives such as "was discovered to be absent", "was detected as missing", or "was unaccounted for".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was found to be missing"?

While "was found to be missing" is in the passive voice, it's often suitable. To use the active voice, rephrase to specify the discoverer: "The staff found the item to be missing".

What's the difference between "was found to be missing" and "went missing"?

"Was found to be missing" focuses on the discovery of absence, while "went missing" focuses on the action of disappearing. For example, "The child "went missing" from the park", versus "The child "was found to be missing" during the headcount".