10 Interesting Collocations with Lose in English

In this article, we’ll focus on collocations with lose. We’ll explore the different ways this word can be used in English, and provide examples to help you understand how to use it correctly. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering collocations with “lose” will help you communicate more effectively in English.

Collocations with Lose

Collocations are groups of words that are commonly used together in a specific context to convey a particular meaning. In the case of “lose,” it is often used with other words to express different actions or situations.

Collocations with Lose

One of the most common collocations with “lose” is “lose weight.” This phrase is used to describe the process of reducing body weight through exercise and diet. Another common collocation is “lose money,” which refers to the act of losing money in a financial transaction or investment.

It is important to note that when using collocations, it is not always possible to substitute one word for another without changing the meaning of the phrase. For example, “lose” and “miss” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. “Lose” refers to the act of misplacing something or experiencing a reduction in something, while “miss” refers to the act of failing to hit or reach something.

In addition to the collocations mentioned above, there are many other ways in which “lose” can be used in combination with other words to express a wide range of meanings. Some of these include:

  • Lose track: to forget or lose count of something
  • Lose control: to lose the ability to manage or regulate something
  • Lose sight: to no longer be able to see something
  • Lose face: to experience humiliation or embarrassment in front of others

List of “Lose” Collocations

Below is the list of common collocations with the word “lose” with the example sentences.

  • Lose weight
  • Lose money
  • Lose the way
  • Lose one’s mind
  • Lose the match
  • Lose a game
  • Lose something
  • Lose consciousness
  • Lose one’s temper
  • Lose a family member

Examples of “Lose” Collocations

Lose weight

  • I need to lose weight before my sister’s wedding next month.

Lose money

  • I invested in a risky stock and ended up losing money instead of making a profit.

Lose the way

  • I’m not familiar with this part of town, so I’m afraid I might lose the way to the restaurant.

Lose one’s mind

  • After hearing the news of her father’s death, she felt like she was going to lose her mind.

Lose the match

  • Despite their best efforts, the team ended up losing the match to their rivals.

Lose a game

  • It would be a major upset for the Minutemen to lose a game at home.

Lose something

  • I need to find my keys because I don’t want to lose something important.

Lose consciousness

  • The patient hit his head and lost consciousness for a few minutes before the paramedics arrived.

Lose one’s temper

  • When he found out that his car had been towed, he lost his temper and started yelling at the parking attendant.

Lose a family member

  • The family was in shock when they lost their young son in a tragic accident, and it was a difficult time for everyone.

Common Collocations with Lose

In Everyday Conversations

In everyday conversations, we use collocations with lose to talk about a variety of situations. Here are some examples:

  • Lose weight: This collocation is used when someone wants to reduce their body weight. For example, “I need to lose weight before my wedding next month.”
  • Lose track of time: This collocation is used when someone is so engrossed in an activity that they forget about the time. For example, “I was watching Netflix and lost track of time. It’s already midnight!”
  • Lose your temper: This collocation is used when someone becomes angry and loses control of their emotions. For example, “I lost my temper when my colleague took credit for my work.”

In Formal Contexts

In formal contexts, we use collocations with lose to convey a sense of professionalism. Here are some examples:

  • Lose ground: This collocation is used when someone or something is losing their position or influence. For example, “The company is losing ground in the market due to its outdated technology.”
  • Lose sight of: This collocation is used when someone forgets about their goals or priorities. For example, “We must not lose sight of our objectives while dealing with this crisis.”
  • Lose credibility: This collocation is used when someone or something loses their reputation or trustworthiness. For example, “The politician lost credibility after being caught in a corruption scandal.”

In Written English

In written English, we use collocations with lose to make our writing more concise and effective. Here are some examples:

  • Lose-lose situation: This collocation is used when there is no positive outcome for any party involved. For example, “The conflict between the two countries is a lose-lose situation for both sides.”
  • Lose oneself in: This collocation is used when someone becomes completely absorbed in an activity or a book. For example, “I lost myself in the pages of the novel and forgot about the world around me.”
  • Lose one’s nerve: This collocation is used when someone becomes too afraid to do something they had planned to do. For example, “I lost my nerve and couldn’t speak in front of the large audience.”

Using Collocations with Lose

In Positive Sentences

When using “lose” in a positive sentence, it’s often to talk about something that has been gained as a result of losing something else. For example:

  • “I lost weight and gained confidence.”
  • “She lost her job but found a new career path.”

In Negative Sentences

In negative sentences, “lose” is often used to describe something that hasn’t been lost yet, but there is a risk of losing it. For example:

  • “I don’t want to lose my keys, so I always keep them in the same place.”
  • “We can’t afford to lose any more money on this project.”

In Questions

When asking a question with “lose,” it’s often to inquire about something that has already been lost or to express concern about the possibility of losing something. For example:

  • “Have you ever lost your passport while traveling?”
  • “Do you think we’ll lose the game if we don’t practice more?”

Practice Exercises for Collocations with Lose

Now that we have learned about collocations with “lose,” it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and usage of these collocations:

Exercise 1: Matching

Match the collocations on the left with their corresponding meanings on the right.

Collocations Meanings
Lose weight A. Become less intelligent
Lose one’s mind B. Not win a game or competition
Lose the way C. Misplace something
Lose the match D. Not know how to get to a place
Lose money E. Become thinner

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct collocation from the list below.

  • Lose _____________
  • _____________ weight
  • _____________ the way
  • _____________ one’s mind
  • _____________ a game

List of collocations: weight, lose, match, mind, way

Exercise 3: Writing

Write a short paragraph using at least three different collocations with “lose.” Be sure to use the collocations correctly and in context.

Example: Yesterday, I went to the gym to try and lose some weight. After my workout, I realized I had lost my phone. I retraced my steps but still couldn’t find it. I felt like I was losing my mind! Eventually, I gave up and went home, feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common collocations with the verb ‘lose’?

Some common collocations with the verb ‘lose’ include: lose weight, lose money, lose your mind, lose a game, lose your temper, and lose consciousness. These are just a few examples of the many collocations that can be formed with ‘lose’.

How do you use ‘lose’ in a sentence?

You can use ‘lose’ as a verb in a sentence to describe the act of no longer having something that you once had. For example, “I lost my keys this morning and can’t find them anywhere.” You can also use ‘lose’ to describe the act of being defeated in a game or competition, such as “Our team lost the championship game last night.”

What are some common collocations with the word ‘loss’?

Some common collocations with the word ‘loss’ include: weight loss, hair loss, job loss, and financial loss. These are just a few examples of the many collocations that can be formed with ‘loss’.

What are some common phrases that use ‘lose’?

Some common phrases that use ‘lose’ include: “lose track of time,” “lose touch with reality,” and “lose your cool.” These phrases use ‘lose’ to describe the act of no longer having control over something or experiencing a change in a situation.

What is the difference between ‘lose’ and ‘loose’?

‘lose’ is a verb that describes the act of no longer having something that you once had or being defeated in a game or competition. ‘loose’ is an adjective that describes something that is not tight or firmly fixed in place. For example, “My pants are too loose” or “The screws on the door handle are loose.”

Last Updated on November 10, 2023

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