has lost it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has lost it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has become irrational, confused, or has lost control, often in a moment of frustration or emotional distress. Example: "After the third consecutive loss, the coach has lost it and started yelling at the players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone has lost it.

The New Yorker

She has lost it, just like that".

The New Yorker

Wow Theresa May really has lost it.

Independent

But he has lost it.

The Guardian

Eta has lost it on the political front as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has lost it with reporters and inefficient team-mates.

The Guardian - Sport

But the human male has lost it completely.

The Guardian

Mr. Gingrich has gained ground in the polls more than Mr. Romney has lost it.

The New York Times

You are a fallen man who has lost it all, you must now lose your liberty".

Independent

It is not just innocence he has lost; it is the possibility of an unblemished life.

The New York Times - Arts

The consolation to his critics, he notes wryly, is that he has "lost it all".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has lost it" to describe a situation where someone or something has deteriorated or is no longer functioning effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "has lost it" in formal or academic writing where more precise language is required. Consider more specific terms depending on whether you're referring to a loss of function, control, or sanity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has lost it" functions as a predicate in a sentence, often describing a subject that has experienced a sudden or complete loss of control, composure, or something tangible. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has lost it" is a versatile expression used to describe a loss of control, composure, or something of value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it is more common in informal contexts, it can effectively convey a sense of surprise or concern about a deteriorated state. Consider alternatives like ""has snapped"" or ""has lost their mind"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the scope and avoid using it in formal academic writing where more specific language is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is losing it

Represents an ongoing process of losing control or composure.

has lost their mind

Emphasizes the loss of rational thinking and good judgment.

has snapped

Implies a sudden loss of control or emotional breakdown.

has cracked

Suggests a breaking point has been reached, leading to loss of composure.

has gone off the rails

Indicates a deviation from normal behavior or a responsible path.

has gone crazy

Indicates a descent into madness or irrational behavior.

has gone mad

Similar to 'has gone crazy', but often implies a more prolonged state.

has become unhinged

Implies a severe loss of mental stability or emotional balance.

has flown off the handle

Suggests an outburst of anger or strong emotion.

is out of control

Highlights the lack of regulation or restraint over actions or emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "has lost it" in a sentence?

You can use "has lost it" to describe someone who has become irrational, confused, or has lost control. For example, "After the constant criticism, the politician "has lost it" and started lashing out at reporters".

What are some alternatives to "has lost it"?

Alternatives include "has snapped", "has cracked", or "has lost their mind", depending on the context. Each conveys a slightly different nuance of losing control.

When is it appropriate to use "has lost it"?

It's suitable in informal or conversational contexts, as well as in news reporting to describe someone's sudden loss of composure. However, it might be too informal for academic writing.

Is there a difference between "is losing it" and "has lost it"?

"Is losing it" implies an ongoing process, while "has lost it" suggests a completed action. For example, "He is losing it" means he is currently in the process of losing control, whereas "He "has lost it"" means he already reached a breaking point.