"in the absence of" vs "in absence of"

Question

"in the absence of" vs "in absence of"

Both "in the absence of" and "in absence of" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "In the absence of" is the more common and formal phrase, used to indicate that something is missing or not present. On the other hand, "in absence of" is less common and considered more informal. It is used in a similar way to "in the absence of," but it may sound less polished.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that something is missing or not present. It is a formal and common expression.

Examples:

In the absence of clear instructions, we had to figure it out ourselves.
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.
In the absence of a leader, the team struggled to make decisions.
In the absence of sunlight, the plants withered.

Alternatives:

without
lacking
devoid of
missing
in the lack of

This phrase is used to indicate that something is missing or not present, similar to "in the absence of." However, it is considered more informal.

Examples:

In absence of clear instructions, we had to figure it out ourselves.
In absence of evidence, the case was dismissed.
In absence of a better solution, we will have to make do with what we have.
In absence of a leader, the team struggled to make decisions.
In absence of sunlight, the plants withered.

Alternatives:

without
lacking
devoid of
missing
in the lack of

Answer 1

in the absence of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in absence of

This phrase is correct but less common and more informal than "in the absence of."

"in the absence of" vs "in absence of"

in the absence of

in absence of

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