"in the absence" vs "in absence"

Question

"in the absence" vs "in absence"

Both 'in the absence' and 'in absence' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In the absence' is more commonly used and is followed by a noun or pronoun, while 'in absence' is less common and is used in a more formal or poetic style.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to the lack or non-existence of something specific. It is followed by a noun or pronoun to indicate what is missing.

Examples:

In the absence of evidence, the case was dismissed.
In the absence of a better solution, we will have to make do with what we have.
She felt lonely in the absence of her friends.
In the absence of a clear plan, chaos ensued.
In the absence of leadership, the team struggled to make decisions.

Alternatives:

without the presence of
when there is no
lacking
devoid of
in the lack of

This phrase is used in a more formal or poetic style to convey the idea of something missing or not being present. It is less commonly used than 'in the absence.'

Examples:

In absence of light, the room felt eerie.
In absence of a clear answer, we were left to speculate.
The garden was beautiful in absence of noise.
In absence of love, the heart grows cold.
In absence of a leader, the group was lost.

Alternatives:

in the lack of
without the presence of
when there is no
lacking
devoid of

Answer 1

in the absence

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in absence

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday usage.

"in the absence" vs "in absence"

in the absence

in absence

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