what he lacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what he lacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is frequently used in contexts where someone's shortcomings or weaknesses are being discussed. For example, "John is an accomplished lawyer, but what he lacks is common sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What he lacks, unavoidably at his age, is experience.

The New York Times - Sports

What he lacks is the ability to tell a story.

The New York Times - Books

What he lacks in experience, Louganis says, he makes up for in empathy.

The New York Times - Sports

What he lacks in charisma, he makes up for in gravitas.

The Economist

What he lacks in ambition he makes up for in bitterness, guilt, and drink.

The New Yorker

What he lacks is a good reason to support his true belief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But what he lacks in sincerity he makes up for in repetition.

The New Yorker

But what he lacks in velocity he tries to make up for with intelligence.

The New York Times

What he lacks in freshness Mr. Amstell makes up for in verbal wit and pinpoint timing.

The New York Times

What he lacks in breath he makes up for in vibrato.

The New Yorker

But what he lacks in flash, apparently, he makes up for in cash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what he lacks", consider what qualities or attributes the subject compensates with. This creates a balanced and nuanced portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "what he lacks" without specifying the context or area of deficiency. Be specific to provide a clear and informative assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what he lacks" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it introduces a specific deficiency or area of need concerning an individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what he lacks" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to pinpoint specific deficiencies in an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently used in writing. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register and serves to provide a balanced analysis by often contrasting the lack with compensatory qualities. It's essential to use this phrase with specificity to avoid overgeneralizations. Consider context and balance when employing "what he lacks" to provide a comprehensive assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his shortcomings

Focuses on general deficiencies instead of specific lacking qualities.

his deficiencies

Similar to shortcomings, but can imply a more inherent or fundamental lack.

his weaknesses

Highlights areas of vulnerability or areas where he is not strong.

what he is missing

Emphasizes the absence of something needed for completeness.

what he's short on

Informal way to point out a deficiency in a specific area.

where he falls short

Highlights the areas where performance or ability is inadequate.

his limitations

Focuses on boundaries and constraints on what he can achieve.

his areas for improvement

Suggests aspects that could be enhanced to achieve better results.

what he needs

Highlights necessary items or qualities for success or fulfillment.

his blind spots

Highlights the areas where he's unaware or uninformed.

FAQs

How can I use "what he lacks" in a sentence?

You can use "what he lacks" to point out a deficiency in someone's skills or qualities. For example, "What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in enthusiasm."

What can I say instead of "what he lacks"?

Alternatives include "his shortcomings", "his deficiencies", or "his weaknesses", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to point out "what he lacks"?

Not necessarily. It can be used neutrally to describe areas where someone could improve, especially when balanced with their strengths.

How does "what he lacks" compare to "what he needs"?

"What he lacks" focuses on current deficiencies, while "what he needs" emphasizes requirements for future improvement or success.