is the complete absence of vs is a complete absence of

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Is the complete absence of' is used when referring to a specific, known absence, while 'is a complete absence of' is used when referring to a more general absence. The choice between them depends on the level of specificity you want to convey.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 806 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"is the complete absence of"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific, known absence of something. It implies a definitive and particular lack of that thing.

Examples:

The silence in the room was the complete absence of sound.
The darkness outside was the complete absence of light.

Show examples from the web [+]

Stranger still, though, is the complete absence from that campaign of the British Tory Party, who were skulking behind the petticoats of Declan Ganley and President Klaus.
There is a need to assess the efficiency of all political dialogues not just the structured human rights dialogues; however this is impossible in the complete absence of information.
The complete absence of this spirit is one of our problems.
With regard to the Financial Perspective, the complete absence of a spirit of solidarity is regrettable...
First, the Commissioner believed that in the complete absence of harmonisation at Community-level, European as well as national patent offices would continue to issue patents to software.
With the complete absence of social barriers, this webcam-based community is unlike any population this school has ever researched.
This will not work in the complete absence of directives.
Yes, seeing the complete absence of any bitterness or rancor, I understand that love was enough.
One eye's operating in the complete absence of electro-cerebral activity.
I was actually referring to the complete absence of anything even resembling a female.
The countries that joined in 2004 suffer from the complete absence of a strong stratum of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Since 1976 the Cosmetics Directive has been amended 56 times, which has resulted in legal uncertainties and inconsistencies and the complete absence of any set of definitions.
I'm more inclined to focus on the complete absence of any proper notes and the many, many hours of intricate, largely insane doodling.
The implementing arrangements do not appear sufficient in terms of the truth and reliability of information, and the complete absence of monitoring cannot be justified.
I'm fairly certain that the lack of vitamin D, for one, but also the complete absence of lactobacillus...
The relationship between Russia and the West, then, is subject to uncertainty, not to mention the complete absence of transparency and accountability.
And a complete absence of any record of Cuddy's kidney biopsy.
Chief among which is his lack of discretion and complete absence of self-control.
Aside from a complete absence of evidence, suspects, or leads.
The GOC claimed that the Commission showed a complete absence of flexibility during the verification.

Alternatives:

represents the complete absence of
signifies the complete absence of
denotes the complete absence of
indicates the complete absence of
symbolizes the complete absence of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"is a complete absence of"

This phrase is used when referring to a more general absence of something. It suggests a complete lack without specifying a particular instance.

Examples:

There is a complete absence of leadership in the company.
The report showed a complete absence of evidence to support the claim.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apart from France and Great Britain, practically no Member State has taken any initiatives and there is a complete absence of an international exchange of information.
There is a complete absence of freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of the press.
And a complete absence of any record of Cuddy's kidney biopsy.
Aside from a complete absence of evidence, suspects, or leads.
The GOC claimed that the Commission showed a complete absence of flexibility during the verification.
No, in fact, there's a complete absence of hypostasis.
Chief among which is his lack of discretion and complete absence of self-control.
The complete absence of this spirit is one of our problems.
With regard to the Financial Perspective, the complete absence of a spirit of solidarity is regrettable...
First, the Commissioner believed that in the complete absence of harmonisation at Community-level, European as well as national patent offices would continue to issue patents to software.
With the complete absence of social barriers, this webcam-based community is unlike any population this school has ever researched.
This will not work in the complete absence of directives.
Yes, seeing the complete absence of any bitterness or rancor, I understand that love was enough.
One eye's operating in the complete absence of electro-cerebral activity.
I was actually referring to the complete absence of anything even resembling a female.
The countries that joined in 2004 suffer from the complete absence of a strong stratum of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The main ingredient of Genovese pesto is basil, traditionally from the Tyrrhenian coast of the Region of Liguria, which has the organoleptic characteristics required for such use: a complete absence of minty odour and a very intense and pleasant perfume.
The European Consumer Centre has just published the findings of a survey carried out in 29 European countries which indicated a complete absence of harmonisation of classifications of hotels within the European Union.
Insufficient planning and insufficient communication or a complete absence of communication regarding the availability of translation resources prevents these resources being used effectively.
The scenario shall take into account the engine speeds, periodical absence or complete absence of a running engine during normal driving conditions at an ambient temperature of - 1 ºC.

Alternatives:

represents a complete absence of
signifies a complete absence of
denotes a complete absence of
indicates a complete absence of
symbolizes a complete absence of

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is the complete absence of vs is a complete absence of