for having lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for having lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a reason or justification related to the act of losing something, often in a reflective or explanatory context. Example: "She apologized for having lost the keys, which caused us to be late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turner was dismissed after the spring term for having lost control of the campus.

The New York Times - Sports

I castigated myself in it for having lost the thread somewhere after Measure for Measure.

The New York Times

Boles was fired the following day for having lost control of the clubhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

But except for having lost his hair, he looks remarkably fit.

The New York Times - Sports

After Naomi visits a neighbor who has Alzheimer's disease, Aviva sympathizes with the woman for having lost her memory.

The New York Times

* The News of the World published its final edition after 168 years with the headline "Thank You & Goodbye", and and an apology for having "lost its way".

Independent

The whole world came to recognize it... We have no reason to feel sorry for him — only for ourselves for having lost him.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Christopher, once famous mainly for having lost her husband to another woman, had been transformed into a kind of accidental avatar of new womanhood.

The New York Times

The weight lifter Wu Jingbiao broke into tears during an appearance on state television and apologized for having lost the gold medal.

The New York Times

When there was nothing palpable he could reproach himself for having lost, he found the futility he needed in world affairs or sport.

The New Yorker

Udo has done nothing to deserve the gallows, but he does come to expect punishment for having played the game — or just for having lost the game, perhaps.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a simpler phrasing like "for losing" would be more concise and equally effective, especially in informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for having lost" when the focus is on the process of losing rather than the state of having lost. In such cases, "for losing" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for having lost" functions as an adverbial phrase of reason, explaining the cause or justification behind a particular action, emotion, or situation. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use in expressing rationale related to a past event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for having lost" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a reason rooted in a past loss. It's prevalent in news and media, maintaining a neutral register. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When writing, be mindful of whether you wish to emphasize the act of losing or the resulting state, as this dictates whether "for having lost" or the simpler "for losing" is more appropriate. Remember that you can use "because of losing", "due to the loss of", and "as a result of losing" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

because they had lost

Rephrases with a past perfect construction, explicitly stating the sequence of events.

because of losing

Replaces the 'having lost' construction with a simpler gerund phrase, slightly less formal.

since losing

A more concise and informal alternative.

due to the loss of

Uses a more formal and noun-based structure, emphasizing the 'loss' as a cause.

as a result of losing

Similar to 'as a consequence of losing', but slightly less formal.

on account of losing

A slightly more formal and emphatic alternative to 'because of losing'.

as a consequence of losing

Highlights the result or outcome of the loss, more emphatic.

resulting from the loss of

Emphasizes the loss as the origin of something else.

given that they lost

Introduces the loss as a given condition or premise.

owing to the fact that they lost

More verbose and formal, adding weight to the reason.

FAQs

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

Use "for having lost" to indicate a reason or explanation related to a past loss. Example: "He was criticized "for having lost" control of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "for having lost"?

You can use alternatives like "because of losing", "due to the loss of", or "as a result of losing" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is there a difference between "for losing" and "for having lost"?

"For losing" generally emphasizes the act of losing, while "for having lost" emphasizes the state or consequence of having already lost. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "for having lost" always be replaced with "for losing"?

While often interchangeable, "for having lost" is more appropriate when emphasizing the completed state of loss as the reason. Consider the specific context to ensure clarity and desired emphasis when choosing between "for losing" and "for having lost".