are lost upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are lost upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not understood or appreciated by someone. Example: "The subtle nuances of the artwork are lost upon those who do not have an appreciation for modern art."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Telomere sequences protect the ends of chromosomes and are lost upon DNA replication, thereby limiting the proliferative capacity of cells [20].

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Resonances associated with the quinoid unit are lost upon reduction of the polypyrrole film, which supports the idea that the quinoid structure is associated with the oxidized form of polypyrrole.

Polymer

The long-term destruction of the Democratic Party, in terms of Democrats like Clinton accepting even more prison lobbyist money than Jeb Bush, are lost upon defenders of the faith who'd jettison genuine progressive values for a pragmatic candidate linked to an FBI investigation.

Huffington Post

These epitopes are lost upon differentiation [11].

Plosone

Proteins whose functions are lost upon PMSO formation can be repaired by the enzyme methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) which is a key regulator of longevity.

Plosone

We suggest that the luminal progenitors, which normally replenish the membrane, are lost upon extended exposure to 5-HT, resulting in a loss of the regenerative capacity of the epithelium.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But the charm is lost upon the occasional few.

The New York Times

The reference to the stone's "water" is lost upon most modern jewelry enthusiasts.

The New York Times

"Many of us don't want that to be lost upon the reading of our sacred document," he said.

The New York Times

Such fiscal nuances were lost upon many in the stunned congregation, including the Rev. Martin Carter, the 71-year-old pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

The New York Times

This usually is undertaken to maintain mechanical properties associated with a crystalline structure or phase distribution that would be lost upon slow cooling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are lost upon", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is not being understood or appreciated and by whom. For example, "The nuances of the complex algorithm are lost upon those without a background in computer science."

Common error

Avoid using "are lost upon" when an active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "The joke was lost upon him", consider "He didn't understand the joke" for a more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are lost upon" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is not understood or appreciated by someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are lost upon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a lack of understanding or appreciation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression. While found mainly in scientific and news contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles. Alternative phrasing, such as "go unnoticed by" or "are not appreciated by", can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When using "are lost upon", ensure clarity about what is not understood and by whom, avoiding passive constructions when a direct statement would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go unnoticed by

Emphasizes the lack of observation or recognition by someone.

are not appreciated by

Focuses on a lack of value or gratitude from someone.

are not understood by

Highlights a failure to comprehend something.

escape someone's notice

Implies that something is missed or overlooked.

are missed by

Indicates that something is not perceived or experienced.

are forfeited with

Highlights the act of losing something due to a particular event or situation.

are nullified by

Emphasizes that something is rendered invalid or ineffective.

are negated by

Indicates that something is cancelled out or made untrue.

vanish with

Highlights the disappearance of something after a particular event.

are rendered void by

Similar to 'are nullified by', but emphasizes the act of making something invalid.

FAQs

How can I use "are lost upon" in a sentence?

Use "are lost upon" to indicate that someone doesn't understand or appreciate something. For example, "The subtleties of the argument "are lost upon" those unfamiliar with the subject matter".

What are some alternatives to "are lost upon"?

You can use alternatives like "go unnoticed by", "are not appreciated by", or "are not understood by" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "are lost on" or "are lost upon"?

Both "are lost on" and "are lost upon" are grammatically correct, but "are lost upon" might sound slightly more formal. The choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between saying something "is lost upon" someone versus saying it "escapes" someone?

While both suggest a lack of comprehension, "is lost upon" typically implies a failure to understand or appreciate something, whereas "escapes" suggests something was simply missed or overlooked. The phrase "escapes someone's notice" means the person was not aware of it.