can be lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be lost" is correct and is used frequently in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has the potential to be lost or go missing. For example: "We must be careful with our passports; they can be lost easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nothing can be lost.

The New York Times

Character can be lost.

The New York Times

Young women can be lost, too".

The New Yorker

Reefs can be lost forever.

The Guardian

It can be lost, like a wallet.

The New Yorker

"If George Washington can be lost, then anybody can be lost," he said.

The New Yorker

In addition, the correct technique can be lost over time.

Respiratory Medicine

Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.

The New Yorker

But leverage can be lost through inaction as well.

The New York Times

But some lessons can be lost on the teacher.

The New York Times - Sports

But, he warned, sometimes emoji can be lost in translation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be lost", consider the context to ensure clarity about what is being lost and under what circumstances. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be lost" in overly broad statements without specifying what exactly is at risk of being lost. Provide context to clarify the potential loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be lost" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be misplaced, forfeited, or otherwise disappear. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be lost" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the potential for something to disappear, be forfeited, or otherwise be irretrievable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, including news, scientific literature, and general discussions. To ensure clarity, be specific about what could be lost and the circumstances leading to the potential loss. While alternatives like "might disappear" or "could be forfeited" offer nuanced variations, "can be lost" remains a reliable and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might vanish

Focuses on the sudden and complete disappearance of something.

may disappear

Emphasizes the potential for something to vanish or become unrecoverable.

might be irretrievable

Highlights the inability to recover something once it is lost.

may be unrecoverable

Highlights the potential for something to be lost permanently.

might be misplaced

Suggests a temporary loss due to being put in the wrong location.

could go astray

Suggests a loss due to deviation from the correct path or procedure.

could slip away

Suggests a subtle or unnoticed loss, often gradual.

could be forfeited

Indicates a loss due to a rule, penalty, or consequence.

may fade away

Indicates a gradual loss, often of something intangible like memory or influence.

could be squandered

Implies a wasteful loss through carelessness or mismanagement.

FAQs

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

Use "can be lost" to describe something that has the potential to be misplaced, forgotten, or forfeited. For example, "Time "can be lost" if you don't manage it efficiently".

What are some alternatives to "can be lost"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might disappear", "could be forfeited", or "may be unrecoverable", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be lost" or "could be lost"?

Both "can be lost" and "could be lost" are grammatically correct. "Can" indicates a possibility, while "could" suggests a slightly lower probability or a hypothetical situation. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "can be lost" and "is lost"?

"Can be lost" refers to a potential future event, suggesting something has the possibility of being lost. "Is lost" indicates a current state where something is already missing or has been forfeited.