Be lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the state of being lost, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "In the vast wilderness, it’s easy to be lost without a map or compass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Friends will be lost.

The New York Times

What would be lost?

The New Yorker

All would be lost.

The New York Times

"Jobs will be lost.

The New York Times

Nothing can be lost.

The New York Times

That will be lost".

Independent

"We'd be lost without him".

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise, trust will be lost.

The New York Times

It can never be lost.

The New York Times - Magazine

Businesses will probably be lost".

The New York Times

"The franchise would be lost.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be lost" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the loss, whether it's a loss of direction, purpose, or emotional connection. For instance, "He felt he would "be lost" without her guidance" clarifies an emotional dependency.

Common error

Avoid using "be lost" when active voice is more appropriate. Instead of saying "The opportunity will "be lost"", consider "We will lose the opportunity", which often provides a clearer and more direct message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be lost" functions as a passive construction, typically describing a state or condition resulting from an action. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is used to express physical disorientation, emotional displacement, or irretrievable loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be lost" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes a state of disorientation, absence, or irretrievability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, as seen in news, encyclopedias, and casual conversation. When using "be lost", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the loss, and avoid using it when an active voice construction would be more appropriate. Alternative phrases like "go missing" or "become disoriented" can be used depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Ludwig's examples illustrate how "be lost" functions effectively in both literal and metaphorical contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Go missing

Focuses on the action of becoming absent or unfindable.

Be missing

Emphasizes the absence or lack of something or someone.

Become disoriented

Focuses on the process of losing orientation, rather than the state of being lost.

Be misplaced

Suggests a temporary inability to locate something.

Get disoriented

Focuses on the process of becoming confused, rather than the state of being confused.

Go astray

Implies a deviation from the correct path or moral standard.

Be adrift

Suggests a lack of direction or purpose, like a ship without sails.

Be irretrievable

Highlights the impossibility of recovering something that is lost.

Get swallowed up

Implies being consumed or overwhelmed by something, leading to a loss of identity or position.

Be forgotten

Highlights that something disappeared from the memory.

FAQs

How can I use "be lost" in a sentence?

You can use "be lost" to describe a state of being physically disoriented, such as "The hikers could "be lost" in the woods". It can also be used metaphorically, like "If I quit my job, I'd "be lost" without a purpose".

What can I say instead of "be lost"?

Alternatives include "go missing", "become disoriented", or "be adrift", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am lost" or "I am be lost"?

"I am lost" is the correct form. "Be" is an auxiliary verb, and the correct structure in this case includes only the auxiliary verb "am" (a form of "be") followed by the past participle "lost".

What is the difference between "be lost" and "get lost"?

"Be lost" describes a state of being in an unknown or disoriented location or situation. "Get lost" refers to the action of becoming lost, or the imperative to leave someone alone. As an example, "I can't believe I "be lost" again!" (incorrect) versus "I can't believe I "get lost" again!".