What part of speech is absence?

"Absence" can be a few different parts of speech depending on how it's used in a sentence:

* Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to the state of being away or not present.

* Example: "The absence of sunlight made the room seem dark."

* Adjective: It can describe something that is not present.

* Example: "The absence of a valid ID prevented him from entering the club."

* Prepositional phrase: "In the absence of..." This phrase acts as an adverbial phrase, indicating a lack of something.

* Example: "In the absence of any other options, we had to make a decision quickly."

So, to determine the part of speech of "absence," you need to look at how it is used in the specific sentence.