which were lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which were lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is missing or insufficient in a particular context. Example: "The report highlighted several key areas which were lacking in detail, prompting further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Bottom Line The hotel has a cool look and personable service, but great design is in the details, many of which were lacking here.

The New York Times - Travel

This method allows assigning a drogue status to about 88% of the drifter observations which were lacking this information and to detect/correct anomalous behaviours of the drogue detection system in 5.2% of the analysed cases.

Measurement

When comparing between a keeled and a pegged device, the new method shows significant differences in tibial component subsidence/liftoff at the anterior and posterior locations, which were lacking in the simplified test model.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

This included obtaining a person's "consent" to receive unsolicited marketing calls in ways that were "at best opaque and at worst dishonest" and trading personal details with companies which were "lacking in scruples".

BBC

Qalonymos ben Qalonymos translated the whole work into Hebrew in 1314, together with another short "introduction to Aristotle" by al-Farabi himself; rather significantly, he himself inserted into it his own treatment of some subjects which were lacking in the original Arabic text, very probably since al-Farabi rejected them as real sciences: medicine, alchemy, magic.

SEP

For "an efficient cause" means nothing else but that through which a possible thing receives all the determinations of it which were lacking for actual existence" [Moses Mendelssohn: Philosophical Writings, edited by Daniel Dahlstrom (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997), p.282].

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

There are even tables and chairs, which are lacking at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher and the Met.

The New York Times - Arts

The unity of style, which is lacking in our revues, exists in this one".

The New York Times

Most of the time, the overworked images hide that which is lacking.

The New Yorker

The narrator rented a furnished flat which was lacking in several items of furniture.

The New Yorker

The first is reliable data on tobacco use and prevention, which is lacking in China.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which were lacking", ensure the context clearly defines what is missing and why its absence is significant. For example, "The study identified several key elements, "which were lacking" in previous research, leading to a more comprehensive analysis."

Common error

Ensure that the noun modified by "which were lacking" is clearly defined. Ambiguous references can confuse readers. Instead of saying "The improvements, which were lacking, hindered progress", specify what improvements were needed: "The specific software updates, "which were lacking", hindered progress."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which were lacking" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by indicating what qualities or components were absent. This adds detail about the noun and highlights the deficiency, as Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which were lacking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used relative clause that serves to highlight deficiencies or missing elements. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively adds detail by pointing out what's absent. The phrase is frequently found in scientific and news contexts and generally carries a neutral to formal tone. Using this information can help you incorporate "which were lacking" accurately and effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were absent

Replaces "lacking" with "absent", focusing on the state of being not present.

that were missing

Uses "missing" to emphasize something is gone or not available.

which were deficient

Substitutes "lacking" with "deficient", highlighting a flaw or inadequacy.

that were needed but not present

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the need for something not available.

which were unavailable

Replaces "lacking" with "unavailable", indicating a state of being not accessible.

that were in short supply

Indicates scarcity, meaning not enough of something was available.

that were conspicuous by their absence

Emphasizes the noticeable nature of something being missing.

whose presence was not detected

Formal rephrasing emphasizing the failure to find or observe something.

that remained unfulfilled

Focuses on a lack of completion or satisfaction of a need or requirement.

which could not be found

Highlights the unsuccessful search for something that is lacking.

FAQs

How can I use "which were lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "which were lacking" to describe features, qualities, or items that are absent or insufficient in a particular context. For example: "The necessary safety precautions, "which were lacking", led to the accident."

What are some alternatives to "which were lacking"?

Alternatives include "that were absent", "that were missing", or "which were deficient". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "which were lacking" or "that were lacking"?

Both "which were lacking" and "that were lacking" are grammatically correct. "Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information, while "that" introduces restrictive clauses, essential for defining the noun. Choose based on whether the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning.

What is the difference between "which were lacking" and "what was lacking"?

"Which were lacking" refers back to a specific noun already mentioned, while "what was lacking" refers to something unspecified or unknown. For example, "The report identified several details, which were lacking in the initial assessment" versus "The report identified what was lacking in the initial assessment".