become completely lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become completely lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is unable to find their way or is confused about something. Example: "As I wandered through the unfamiliar city, I began to become completely lost and had to ask for directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We have become completely lost in a confusing maze of footpaths.

The Guardian

At different moments in my life, I have become completely lost in food, drugs, alcohol or cigarettes.

The New York Times

In both cases, the bees were tracked by special radar, using tiny reflectors glued to their backs.If the anaesthetised bees had been using a sun-based compass to navigate, they would have become completely lost on their release.

The Economist

You become completely lost in the world of Pandora, the setting for Avatar.

TechCrunch

It's a testament to the man's excellence as an actor that we could become completely lost in the character he created while he was onscreen and really only remember as the credits rolled that we'd never see him again.

Huffington Post

In an alien land, where the language, values, work atmosphere, and patterns of socialization are different from those in their own country, woman might become completely lost.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Land degradation is a process during which the land's productive capacity declines and eventually becomes completely lost under the influence of natural forces and human activities.

Acta Ecologica Sinica

When the probe distance increases, A-lines become dimmer and sometimes get completely lost.

Biomedical Optics Express

If not, you get completely lost".

The New York Times - Sports

If the plant's leaves become completely green, natural losing streaks,not mean that the lighting is poor: you should move the aloe in a better light.

WikiHow

"So for U.S. schools, if they become completely international they would lose their competitive advantage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become completely lost", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lost. This could be physical location, a sense of purpose, or even an understanding of a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "become completely lost" when "get lost" or "lose your way" will suffice. The phrase is stronger and should be reserved for situations where the disorientation is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become completely lost" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state of being. Ludwig suggests it's a valid and usable phrase in English writing. It describes the action of losing one's way or becoming disoriented, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become completely lost" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase, describing a state of disorientation, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is more intense than a simple "get lost". Its most frequent contexts are "News & Media" and "Science". Remember to use it when the disorientation is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get utterly lost

Emphasizes the degree of being lost, suggesting a stronger sense of disorientation.

become totally disoriented

Focuses on the loss of one's sense of direction and surroundings.

lose all sense of direction

Highlights the inability to determine where one is going.

go astray completely

Suggests a deviation from the correct path or course.

find oneself completely adrift

Implies a lack of control and being without guidance.

be hopelessly lost

Emphasizes the lack of hope in finding one's way.

wander into oblivion

Suggests a loss of awareness of one's surroundings and destination.

get thoroughly turned around

Focuses on confusion and disorientation regarding direction.

be entirely at sea

Suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed and uncertain.

succumb to disorientation

Focuses on the process of losing awareness of location and surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "become completely lost" in a sentence?

You can use "become completely lost" to describe physical disorientation, as in "We "became completely lost" in the forest", or a loss of understanding, as in "I "became completely lost" in the technical jargon".

What phrases are similar to "become completely lost"?

Similar phrases include "get utterly lost", "become totally disoriented", and "lose all sense of direction".

Is it better to say "get lost" or "become completely lost"?

"Get lost" is a more common and general way to describe losing your way. "Become completely lost" implies a more profound or disorienting experience.

Can "become completely lost" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "become completely lost" can be used metaphorically to describe a state of confusion, bewilderment, or a loss of direction in life or a particular situation.