what's missing

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

You can use "what's missing" to inquire about an element that is absent or needed. For example, "What's missing from this recipe is salt" or "What's missing in your argument is evidence".

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "what is lacking" or "what is absent". These options provide a similar meaning but with increased formality.

While "what's missing" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise and formal language. Consider alternatives such as "what is deficient" or specifying the exact deficiency directly.

Avoid using a plural verb when the subject is singular. For instance, instead of "What's missing are the details", it should be "What's missing is detail". Ensure subject-verb agreement for clarity.