could become lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could become lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of someone or something getting lost in a certain context or situation. Example: "If we don't follow the map closely, we could become lost in the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Though she said she could become lost and confused outside the gridlike confines of Manhattan, Ms. Lebowitz has become a surprisingly frequent visitor to Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Books

"Each step of this manual process is vulnerable to human error, increasing the risk that a child could become lost in the system," the report said.

The Guardian

"Each step of this manual process is vulnerable to human error, increasing the risk that a child could become lost in the system," the report found.

The Washington Post

The days are gone when giant clubs had multiple rooms that partygoers could become lost in, some offering kaleidoscopic slide shows, others dungeon motifs.

The New York Times

You could become lost.

Forbes

He gave the example of a fishing net or a lobster pot, which could become lost in the ocean.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Pregnant at 14, she could have become lost.

The New York Times

The islands also have a cultural his tory that could easily become lost if the concrete‐pourers move in.

The New York Times

As it is, it seems never to end, and someone with a poor sense of direction could easily become lost and never emerge.

The New York Times

"It struck me that there was a huge legacy, particularly with UK hip-hop, that could easily become lost for ever," he says.

The Guardian - Music

And it's more important than ever for regulators to be vigilant, because in the midst of such fast-paced, technologically- and competitively-driven change, the fundamental principles of investor protection could easily become lost without a relentlessly skeptical inquiry on the part of the SEC and every market participant.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could become lost" in writing, ensure the context clearly defines what or who might become lost and the potential circumstances leading to this situation.

Common error

Avoid using "could become lost" in scenarios lacking clear consequences or a tangible sense of disorientation. Replace it with stronger verbs to emphasize the risk or vulnerability involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could become lost" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates that someone or something has the potential to get lost. This usage is consistent across various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could become lost" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of disorientation, disappearance, or a decline in condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "might get lost" or "may become disoriented" exist, "could become lost" maintains a balance between formality and everyday use. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines who or what might become lost and the circumstances that could lead to this outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might get lost

Replaces "could become" with "might get", altering the level of certainty slightly.

may become disoriented

Substitutes "lost" with "disoriented", focusing on confusion rather than physical loss.

risk getting misplaced

Highlights the risk, emphasizing the potential for being put in the wrong place.

face the possibility of disappearance

Emphasizes the potential for vanishing or becoming unfindable.

are in danger of being lost

Highlights the presence of danger, focusing on the potential consequences.

could be misplaced

Focuses on the possibility of something being put in the wrong place, subtly shifting the meaning.

may go astray

Uses a more figurative term, suggesting deviation from the correct path.

risk drifting away

Emphasizes the action of drifting, implying a gradual separation.

might fade into obscurity

Shifts the focus to a decline in importance or visibility.

may suffer deterioration

Highlights the possibility of a decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

What does "could become lost" mean?

The phrase "could become lost" suggests a possibility of disorientation or of losing one's way, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a potential for something or someone to cease being findable or understood.

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

You might say, "Without a guide, we "could become lost" in the forest", or "If these documents are not properly archived, they "could become lost" in the system".

What are some alternatives to "could become lost"?

Alternatives include "might get lost", "may become disoriented", or "risk getting misplaced" depending on the specific context.

Is "could get lost" the same as "could become lost"?

While similar, "could get lost" is slightly more informal and focuses on the action of losing one's way. "Could become lost" is a bit more formal and emphasizes the resulting state of being lost.