get lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to tell someone to go away, usually in an unfriendly or rude manner. Example: "Stop pestering me! Just get lost!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Things get lost, and people get lost".

The New York Times

You can get lost".

The New York Times

Let's get lost.

The New Yorker

Translation: Get lost, Poindexter!

The Guardian - Sport

You get lost".

The New York Times - Sports

Just get lost!

The New York Times

Everything would get lost.

Independent

And get lost.

The New York Times

Sometimes men get lost.

The New York Times

Get lost on purpose.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, birds get lost.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get lost" sparingly in professional settings; consider more polite alternatives like "please leave" or "I need some space".

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "get lost"; it can come across as rude or dismissive, even if that's not your intention. Consider your audience and the relationship you have with them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get lost" primarily functions as an imperative, used to tell someone to leave or go away. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, often in contexts of annoyance or dismissal. It can also function as a descriptive verb phrase, meaning to lose one's way or become absorbed in something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get lost" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, primarily used as an imperative to tell someone to go away or as a descriptive phrase meaning to lose one's way. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It's important to consider the context and audience, as "get lost" can be perceived as rude or dismissive. More polite alternatives, such as "please leave", are available for professional or formal settings. When used reflexively, it means to be deeply absorbed. Overall, "get lost" is a common phrase with varied applications, warranting careful consideration of tone and setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go away

A more polite, yet still firm, way of telling someone to leave.

leave me alone

Focuses on the speaker's desire to be undisturbed.

beat it

An informal and somewhat aggressive way to tell someone to leave.

take a hike

A dismissive and often humorous way of telling someone to leave.

buzz off

An informal and slightly rude way to tell someone to leave.

scram

A quick and abrupt way to tell someone to leave immediately.

get out of here

Expresses disbelief or exasperation, sometimes used to tell someone to leave.

go bother someone else

Directs the unwanted attention to another target.

cease and desist

A formal way to demand that someone stop an action.

remove yourself from my presence

A very formal and dramatic way of telling someone to leave.

FAQs

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

You can use "get lost" to tell someone to go away, as in "Stop bothering me, just "get lost"!" or to describe losing your way, such as "I always "get lost" in this neighborhood."

What's a more polite way to say "get lost"?

Instead of "get lost", consider using phrases like "please leave", "excuse me, I need some space", or "I need to concentrate right now" depending on the situation.

Is "get lost" always rude?

While "get lost" is often used to express annoyance or dismissal, it can also be used playfully among close friends. However, it's generally best to avoid it in formal or professional settings.

What does it mean to "get lost" in something?

To "get lost in something" means to become fully absorbed or immersed in it, such as "I "get lost in the book"" or "He "get lost in his work"".