He greatly lacks in common sense

You don't need the in.

Thanks!

I think we should see it again.

He lacks common sense.

He is lacking in common sense.



Any native speaker online?

Tom

Mr. Tom
He lacks common sense.

He is lacking in common sense.

Both fine.

Many thanks, Mr. Wordy. [By the way, long time no see!]

Could you please see the original sentence also?

...greatly lacks in...

Tom

And am I supposed to understand that "lacking" is adjective? If yes, then how about:

He is very lacking [adjective] in common sense.

Thanks a lot for your time and effort!

Tom

Thanks for the reply..i was also confused whether to take 'in' or not...
Shimano Fishing

Mr. Tom
Could you please see the original sentence also?

...greatly lacks in...

To me, this is not incorrect, but it's less usual. Normally the word "in" is omitted here.

Mr. TomAnd am I supposed to understand that "lacking" is adjective?

Yes, it behaves as an adjective here.

Mr. TomHe is very lacking [adjective] in common sense.

This is OK.

I'm grateful, Mr. Wordy!

Last question:

Can we lack something greatly?

She greatly lacks confidence.

She was fired because she greatly lacked the energy and exuberance mainly required for the job.



Tom

PS: Is the yellow part correct?

Mr. TomCan we lack something greatly?

To me, constructions like "She greatly lacks confidence" are acceptable, but "She lacks confidence greatly" doesn't sound right.

Mr. Tom
PS: Is the yellow part correct?

Not really. You do not need the word "mainly". Apart from that it's OK.