I have lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have lost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you no longer possess something or have failed to keep something, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "I have lost my keys and can't find them anywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I have lost something.

The New Yorker

"I have lost my innocence.

Independent

I have lost a friend.

The New York Times

"I have lost my family".

The New York Times

I have lost my home.

Independent

"I have lost my livelihood.

Independent

I have lost you".

The New York Times

I have lost weight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have lost £120.

The Guardian - Money

"I have lost jobs.

The New Yorker

O, I have lost my reputation!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of the loss. "I have lost" can convey sadness, frustration, or regret. Choose your words carefully to match the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid mixing past and present tenses when describing the loss. For example, do not say "I have lost my keys yesterday." Instead, use "I lost my keys yesterday" or "I have lost my keys and still can't find them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have lost" functions as a statement of completed action with present relevance, expressing that the speaker has experienced a loss and the consequences may still be felt. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts, from misplacing items to suffering emotional losses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have lost" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase to express a sense of deprivation or absence of something previously possessed. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in news media, science and business contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register, though its emotional impact depends on the specific context. When using this phrase, be clear about what has been lost and consider the emotional implications. Avoid incorrect tense usage. Alternatives include "I can't find" and "I no longer have", offering slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I can't find

Expresses the inability to locate something, emphasizing the search process.

I've misplaced

Refers to losing something temporarily, often due to carelessness or forgetfulness. Focuses on the action of misplacing.

I no longer have

Emphasizes the current state of not possessing something, suitable for tangible items or intangible qualities.

I am without

Highlights a lack or absence of something, whether physical or abstract.

I've been deprived of

Suggests an external force causing the loss, often implying injustice or unfairness.

I've forfeited

Implies a loss due to one's own actions or decisions, often in a context of rules or competition.

I squandered

Suggests wasting something valuable through carelessness or lack of planning.

I've parted with

Implies a voluntary giving up of something, often with a sense of regret or sacrifice.

I've relinquished

Suggests a formal or official surrender of something, often a right or power.

It's gone missing

Focuses on the object that is lost, rather than the person experiencing the loss, often used for physical items.

FAQs

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

You can use "I have lost" to express the absence of something, such as "I have lost my keys" or "I have lost my way". It can also describe losing intangible things like faith or confidence.

What are some alternatives to "I have lost"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I can't find", "I no longer have", or "I've misplaced", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I have lost" and "I lost"?

"I have lost" is in the present perfect tense, indicating a loss that has occurred at some point in the past and is still relevant now. "I lost" is in the simple past tense, indicating a loss that occurred at a specific time in the past and may not be relevant now. For example, "I lost my keys yesterday" vs "I have lost my keys and can't find them".

Is it correct to say "I have losten" instead of "I have lost"?

No, "I have losten" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "I have lost", using the past participle of the verb 'lose'.