French Phrase
Les absences sans prévenir, c'est OK ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether it is acceptable to be absent without giving prior notice. The tone is informal and slightly rhetorical, often heard among colleagues or friends.
When to use
Use this sentence in casual conversation, especially in a workplace or school setting when you want to check if skipping a meeting or class without warning is tolerated. It is not appropriate for formal written communication.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lesabsencessansprévenir,c'estOK?
Article défini
« Les » is the plural definite article used before a plural noun.
Nom pluriel
« absences » is a feminine plural noun meaning ‘absences’.
Préposition « sans »
« sans » means ‘without’ and is followed by an infinitive verb.
Infinitif « prévenir »
« prévenir » means ‘to warn / to inform’; after « sans » it stays in the infinitive.
Contraction « c'est »
« c'est » = « cela est », used to introduce a judgement or opinion.
Emprunt « OK »
« OK » is an English borrowing meaning ‘all right, acceptable’, very common in spoken French.
🗨In Conversation
Les absences sans prévenir, c'est OK ?
Is it okay to be absent without warning?
Pas vraiment, il faut toujours prévenir le responsable.
Not really, you should always inform the manager.
✕Common Mistakes
Les absences sans prévenir, c’est ok ?
Capitalize “OK” because it is an abbreviation of the English “Okay”.
Les absences sans prévenu, c’est OK ?
Do not use the infinitive after “sans” with a noun; you need the verb in infinitive form.
Les absences sans prévenir, c’est OK ?
In very formal writing, replace “c’est OK” with “c’est acceptable” or “c’est autorisé”.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que les absences non annoncées sont acceptables ?
Are unannounced absences acceptable?
On peut se permettre de ne pas prévenir quand on s'absente ?
Can we get away with not notifying when we’re absent?
Les absences sans prévenir, c’est autorisé ?
Are absences without notice allowed?
Cultural Tip
In French professional culture, notifying your supervisor before an absence is considered a sign of respect and responsibility. While younger generations may use « OK » casually, it’s still safer to phrase the request more formally in official emails. In informal settings, however, the phrase is perfectly natural and shows a relaxed attitude toward workplace rules.