11.   Residential construction is growing but it appears strong only in comparison to the virtual absence of such building in recent years, the report said.

12.   Scobey was chosen as a test site because of the virtual absence of border crime.

13.   The consequences of being cut or shot are serious here, too, given the virtual absence of medical care.

14.   The FCC attributed the increase to the virtual absence of competition among cable operators.

15.   The virtual absence of competition in most markets limits consumer choice.

16.   Their virtual absence since camp began has concerned the offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt in his attempt to create a revamped attack.

17.   The virtual absence of inflation played a role in that decision.

18.   Another ground-dwelling bird, the most distinctive feature of the Desert Lark is the virtual absence of distinctive features.

19.   Chaos reflects a virtual absence of rules.

20.   Japanese prison officials defend their system, saying the virtual absence of escapes and riots show it is effective.