at loss

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The expression 'at loss' is not correct English.
The correct expression is "at a loss" (with an "a" before "loss"). It is used to describe being unable to think of an answer or a solution, or being confused and uncertain about what to do. Example: I was at a loss as to how to solve the problem.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Evidence from wildlife indicates that fasting and AT loss increase circulating POPs.

Environmental Health Perspectives

LPL and Glut4 gene expression were not modified in WAT, suggesting that JunB-KO mice show no tendency to counteract AT loss.

Endocrinology

Talley at loss for words.

The New Yorker

I am good at loss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even Dan was at loss for words.

The New York Times - Style

Nothing on earth would ever find her at loss.

The New Yorker

Gilbertson's haunting photographs of these rooms give us an at times uncomfortably intimate look at loss.

The Guardian - Books

The quohaug's heart will reveal acetylcholine when chemists are at loss to find it.

The New Yorker

The ShowRoom in Chichester hosts Stacy Makishi's look at loss and mourning, Vesper Time, tonight.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

State banks might then be told once again to bankroll wages at loss-making enterprises.

The Economist

It looks as if the chancellor couldn't bear a headline that read: "Government gives green light for mega bonuses at loss-making RBS".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct form, "at a loss", to indicate confusion or not knowing what to do. Using "at loss" without the article "a" is grammatically incorrect.

Common error

The most common error is using "at loss" instead of "at a loss". Remember that the article "a" is essential for the phrase to be grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at loss" functions incorrectly as a prepositional phrase intended to modify a verb or noun, describing a state of being. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct form is "at a loss".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at loss" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig, the correct form is "at a loss", which indicates a state of confusion or not knowing what to do. While there are a few instances of "at loss" appearing in various sources, these are likely due to errors rather than accepted usage. To avoid grammatical errors, always include the article "a" when intending to convey this meaning. Using the correct phrase "at a loss" enhances clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a loss

Adds the article "a", correcting the phrase to standard English, indicating confusion or uncertainty.

confused

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective conveying the state of being perplexed or disoriented.

perplexed

Offers a more formal synonym for "confused", suggesting a state of deep bewilderment.

uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of certainty or sureness, focusing on the doubt aspect of being "at a loss".

without

Highlights the absence of something, whether it's words, ideas, or possessions.

lacking

Similar to "without", this term points out a deficiency or absence of a necessary element.

bereft

Conveys a sense of being deprived or robbed of something important, often emotionally.

deprived

Stresses the act of being denied something, suggesting a loss or disadvantage.

experiencing a setback

Shifts the focus to the act of enduring a hindrance or reversal of progress.

suffering a defeat

Emphasizes the negative outcome or failure in a particular situation.

FAQs

What does "at a loss" mean?

"At a loss" means being uncertain, confused, or not knowing what to do or say. It indicates a state of perplexity or lacking a solution.

Is it correct to say "at loss"?

No, it is not correct. The correct expression is "at a loss", which includes the article "a".

What can I say instead of "at a loss"?

Alternatives include "confused", "perplexed", "uncertain", or "not knowing what to do", depending on the specific context.

How do I use "at a loss" in a sentence?

Example: "I was at a loss for words when I heard the news."