an absence of vs absence of

Both 'an absence of' and 'absence of' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'An absence of' is used when emphasizing the presence of something specific that is missing, while 'absence of' is more general and commonly used.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1166 views

This phrase is correct and is used to emphasize the presence of something specific that is missing.

"an absence of"

'An absence of' is used when you want to highlight the lack of a particular thing or quality.

Examples:

There is an absence of evidence to support his claim.
She felt an absence of warmth in the room.
The report highlighted an absence of leadership in the team.
An absence of communication led to misunderstandings.
The project suffered from an absence of funding.

Show examples from the web [+]

There's an absence of audible breath sounds.
Poverty means an absence of power, opportunities and security.
Having worked so hard to create this powerful federal monetary capacity, we must not dissipate its international effect by an absence of vision and will.
These points, for example, may result from an absence of acceptable data, or a need to develop a suitable methodology.
Combination studies of enfuvirtide with representative members of the various antiretroviral classes exhibited additive to synergistic antiviral activities and an absence of antagonism.
Due to an absence of suitable scientific data, the health benefits attributed to goats' milk remain unproven.
Inadequate school education, a lack of vocational training, an absence of further education and insufficient skills prevent many people from obtaining employment.
In many cases, however, the disasters are the result of a lack of prevention and an absence of adequate resources to fight the flames.
Unfortunately, the debate on Europe which has been under way in the British media has been characterized by an absence of calm and rational comment.
The Commission concedes that the exclusive agreements do not in themselves constitute evidence of an absence of autonomy on the part of the enterprises.
Experience has shown that unwieldy or ill-adapted projects - where there has been an absence of long-term planning, the social and environmental impact has been poorly evaluated, or there have been maintenance problems - can prove counter-productive.
What was said a moment ago is quite right: the aberrations we have witnessed during certain periods of our history, and which we are of course right to fear for the future, are due to an absence of democracy.
You and the darkness are distinct from each other because darkness is an absence of something, it's a vacuum.
NATO is not supposed to be has suffered from an absence of clear strategic reappraisal since the end of the Cold War and it suffers from continuing poor collaboration with the European Union.
They indicate an absence of brain stem activity.
They refer to an absence of intellect.
Maybe it's an absence of a lot of candy...
Maybe it's an absence of a lot of candy...
They refer to an absence of intellect.
He pointed you to an absence of evidence.

Alternatives:

a lack of
a shortage of
a deficiency of

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in general contexts.

"absence of"

'Absence of' is a more general phrase used to indicate the lack of something without specifying a particular absence.

Examples:

The absence of rain has caused a drought.
His absence of manners was evident to everyone.
The report highlighted the absence of a clear strategy.
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
The absence of a decision is causing delays.

Alternatives:

lack of
shortage of
deficiency of

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

an absence of vs absence of

"an absence of"

"absence of"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text