a lost chapter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lost chapter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a section of a story, book, or narrative that is missing or has not been included, often implying that it contains important or interesting content. Example: "The manuscript was incomplete, leaving readers to wonder about the lost chapter that could have changed the entire story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was, I'd say, in this spirit, too, that on his 43rd birthday – 18 January this year – Binyavanga Wainaina wrote and published a lost chapter from his memoir entitled, "I am a homosexual, Mum".

The Guardian - Books

Realist or dreamer, Mr. Obama has an interest in global denuclearization that arises from what can best be described as a lost chapter of his life.

The New York Times

Williamson said the story of the tomb had become something of a lost chapter, although four candlesticks intended for it are known to be in Saint Bavo's cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.

The Guardian - Arts

If plans proceed for an excavation of the site, archival and field research by the explorers suggests, the remains of the Sussex could yield the richest treasure wreck of modern times and illuminate a lost chapter in world history.

The New York Times

Last week, the Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina released a "lost chapter" of his 2011 memoir, titled "I Am a Homosexual, Mum" as a response to anti-gay laws recently passed in Nigeria and Uganda.

The New Yorker

Berlin-based producer and Man Recordings label head, Daniel Haaksman, found inspiration for his new album in a lost chapter of German history.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The author has retrieved a veritable gold mine of obscure LPs and tapes that recount a seemingly lost chapter of American history.

Huffington Post

German photojournalist Meike Fischer, on the other hand, sees a cultural tragedy a lost chapter in her city's history.

Vice

I was going to write the lost chapter two years ago but kept postponing over aesthetic preciousness.

The New Yorker

Yet the fact, after all, remains that this independent French scholar has made so far the only attempt on any considerable scale to recover the lost chapter of history and to put it before the public.

The New Yorker

Ms. Pausch said Jeffrey Zaslow, the co-author of "The Last Lecture," had discussed with her the possibility of publishing her husband's unused notes as lost chapters to the book.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lost chapter" to add a sense of mystery or incompleteness when discussing historical events, personal stories, or creative works. It suggests that important information is missing and invites further exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "a lost chapter" to describe minor omissions or trivial details. The phrase implies a significant gap in knowledge or understanding, not just a small missing piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lost chapter" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a significant omission or absence within a larger narrative, history, or account. Ludwig shows many instances where it enhances the understanding of a particular historical event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lost chapter" is a noun phrase that refers to a missing or forgotten part of a story, history, or narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific sources. While versatile, it's most effective when highlighting a significant gap in understanding, rather than a minor detail. Related phrases include "an untold story" and "a forgotten episode", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. By avoiding scope inflation and focusing on substantial omissions, writers can leverage the evocative power of "a lost chapter" to enrich their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an omitted part

Emphasizes that something was left out or excluded.

an untold story

Focuses on the fact that the narrative hasn't been shared or revealed.

a missing segment

Emphasizes the absence of a specific part from a whole.

a forgotten episode

Focuses on the episodic nature of what's lost, suitable for events or periods.

a deleted scene

Directly references content removed, especially from a creative work.

a neglected aspect

Highlights the insufficient attention or consideration given to a particular element.

an unrecorded event

Highlights the lack of documentation or acknowledgment.

a suppressed narrative

Suggests the information was deliberately hidden or prevented from being known.

a buried memory

Implies something that was once known but has been forgotten over time.

a bygone era

Refers to a period that has passed and is no longer remembered or relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lost chapter" to refer to a forgotten or missing part of a story, history, or life. For example, "The newly discovered documents filled in a lost chapter of the war's history."

What's a good alternative to "a lost chapter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an untold story", "a forgotten episode", or "a missing segment".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a lost chapter"?

Use "a lost chapter" when discussing significant gaps in a narrative or historical record. It's appropriate when the missing information is crucial to understanding the whole picture.

What's the difference between "a lost chapter" and "a closed chapter"?

"A lost chapter" refers to something missing or forgotten, while "a closed chapter" signifies the end of a phase or event, implying it's finished and no longer relevant.