close to lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is nearly lost or on the verge of being lost. Example: "After searching for hours, I felt we were close to lost in the vast forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was pretty close to losing my mind.

The Guardian

"We got close to losing our minds".

The New Yorker

I was close to losing my life.

The Guardian - Sport

But he has come close to losing that majority.

The Economist

Did she come close to losing that hope?

The Guardian - Sport

If the former has lost its memory, the latter seems close to losing its mind.

The New Yorker

After overcoming cancer, he declares that he never wants to be "that close to losing" again.

Independent

He came close to losing to him on a fast blue clay court in Madrid this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the Giants are coming perilously close to losing the season as well.

The New York Times - Sports

Apr 2005 Annan Athletic goalkeeper Charlie McCulloch comes close to losing an eye when his head is sliced open.

Independent

We came close to losing the Manhattan Bridge — it would have collapsed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to lost" to effectively convey a sense of proximity to being completely disoriented or irretrievable, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is at risk of being lost, be it physically, conceptually, or metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid using "close to lost" when the situation is already definitively lost. The phrase indicates a near miss, not a completed event. For example, if you are already entirely disoriented, say "We are lost" rather than "We were close to lost".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to lost" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of near-loss. It modifies a noun or pronoun, providing information about its condition in relation to being lost. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to lost" is grammatically correct and functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of near-loss. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the absence of specific examples suggests that it might be a less frequent expression compared to its synonyms. Alternatives like "nearly lost" or "almost lost" may be more common. When using "close to lost", ensure the context clearly defines what is at risk of being lost and be mindful not to use the phrase if the situation has already resulted in a definitive loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly lost

Direct synonym, emphasizing the proximity to being lost.

almost lost

Similar to "nearly lost", indicating a high likelihood of being lost.

on the verge of being lost

Emphasizes the imminence of becoming lost.

on the brink of getting lost

Like the previous option, highlighting that getting lost is about to happen.

in danger of being lost

Focuses on the risk and potential negative outcome of being lost.

close to disorientation

Shifts focus slightly to the state of disorientation that precedes being completely lost.

on the point of straying

Emphasizes the act of wandering away from the correct path.

about to lose one's way

Highlights the impending failure to maintain direction.

nearing the point of no return

More metaphorical, suggesting a critical juncture where being lost becomes inevitable.

approaching a state of confusion

Focuses on the mental state associated with becoming lost.

FAQs

How can I use "close to lost" in a sentence?

You can use "close to lost" to describe a situation where someone or something nearly becomes lost. For example, "After wandering in the woods for hours, we were "close to lost"."

What are some alternatives to "close to lost"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "nearly lost", "almost lost", or "on the verge of being lost", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "close to lost", or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "close to lost" is grammatically correct and commonly used. While there are many synonyms, it is a perfectly acceptable way to express the idea of nearly being lost.

What's the difference between "close to lost" and "lost"?

"Close to lost" implies that you are on the brink of being lost but haven't quite reached that point yet. "Lost" means you are already disoriented and unable to find your way.