be lost for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be lost for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a state of being unable to think of something to say or do, often due to surprise or confusion. Example: "When she asked me that unexpected question, I was completely lost for words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, who wouldn't be lost for words?

The Guardian - Sport

He will be lost for ever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, all may not be lost for Goldman employees.

The New York Times

Some of that revenue may now be lost for good.

The Economist

Wilson will be lost for four to six weeks...

The New York Times - Sports

Days continued to be lost for writing Agents and Commissars.

The Guardian - Opinion

We felt something would be lost for ever.

The Guardian - Arts

Marbury could very well be lost for the season.

The New York Times - Sports

"So any delay means time will be lost for science.

The Guardian

If he reaggravates the injury, Teixeira would almost certainly be lost for the season.

The New York Times

But if it fails to do so, the money could be lost for the Hungarians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be lost for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking, whether it's words, ideas, or direction. Providing context will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be lost for" when you simply mean "lost". The phrase implies a temporary inability to find something or think of something, not a permanent state of being missing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be lost for" functions as a verb phrase, often indicating a state of lacking or being unable to find something, such as words, ideas, or direction. It typically requires further context to specify what is missing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be lost for" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a lack or inability to find something, whether it's words, ideas, or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, make it a reliable choice for effective communication. Remember to provide clear context to specify what is lacking and avoid confusing it with simply being "lost". Alternatives like "be at a loss for" can offer similar meanings, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be at a loss for

This alternative maintains a very similar meaning, emphasizing a state of not knowing what to do or say.

lack

This alternative offers a concise way to indicate a deficiency or absence of something.

be deficient in

This phrase highlights a lack or shortage of something, often in a specific quality or resource.

be short of

This alternative suggests a deficiency, particularly in resources or supplies.

be without

This option emphasizes the absence of something.

be devoid of

This phrase suggests a complete absence of something, often in a metaphorical sense.

be wanting in

This alternative focuses on something missing or lacking.

be devoid of

This alternative focuses on a complete lack of something.

be unable to find

This conveys the inability to locate or discover something.

struggle to find

This option emphasizes the difficulty in locating or obtaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be lost for" to indicate a lack of something, such as "I "was lost for words" when I heard the news" or "They "were lost for ideas" on how to solve the problem".

What can I say instead of "be lost for"?

Alternatives include "be at a loss for", "lack", or "be deficient in", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be lost for words"?

Yes, "be lost for words" is a common and idiomatic expression meaning to be unable to think of anything to say, usually because of surprise or shock.

What's the difference between "be lost for words" and simply "be speechless"?

"Be lost for words" suggests a temporary inability to speak due to surprise or strong emotion, while "be speechless" can also imply a more permanent or inherent inability to speak.