"lack of something" vs "lack something"

Question

"lack of something" vs "lack something"

Both "lack of something" and "lack something" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Lack of something" is more formal and commonly used in written English, while "lack something" is more informal and used in spoken English.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate the absence or shortage of a particular thing or quality. It is more formal and suitable for written contexts.

Examples:

The lack of communication in the team led to misunderstandings.
There is a lack of evidence to support the claim.
She felt the lack of support from her friends.
The lack of resources hindered the project's progress.
The lack of sleep affected his performance at work.

Alternatives:

absence of something
insufficiency of something
deficiency of something
scarcity of something
shortage of something

This phrase is used informally to express the absence of something. It is more commonly used in spoken language and informal contexts.

Examples:

I lack the necessary skills for this job.
We lack the resources to complete the project.
She lacks the motivation to exercise regularly.
He lacks the experience needed for the position.
They lack the funds to start a business.

Alternatives:

don't have something
are missing something
are without something
are deficient in something
are short of something

Answer 1

lack of something

This phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Answer 2

lack something

This phrase is correct and commonly used in spoken English.

"lack of something" vs "lack something"

lack of something

lack something

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