has lost its grip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has lost its grip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has become less effective, influential, or in control over time. Example: "The company has lost its grip on the market due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

FROZEN CUSTARD was all over the Midwest when I was growing up, but it has lost its grip in most places.

The New York Times - Food

That film overshadowed "Jezebel" and, for a long time, all movies about American slavery; more recently, it has lost its grip, both because of the cartoonishness of its black characters and its tinny, dated artifice.

The New Yorker

The government of President Enrique Pena Nieto has repeatedly denied that it has lost its grip on Michoacan despite several similar surges in the number of troops and police in the state in the year since he came to office.

BBC

The government of President Enrique Pena Nieto has repeatedly denied that it has lost its grip on Michoacan despite several troop surges in the state in the year since he came to office.

BBC

Many at the bank are still sore that the defender of the D-mark has lost its grip on monetary policy, ceding it to a bank that only partly follows its thinking.

The Economist

As the group has lost its grip on territory in Iraq and Syria, it has encouraged supporters to carry out attacks on civilians in the West with heavy vehicles.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

One day I realized that it had lost its grip upon me.

Huffington Post

Then, I figured, it must have lost its grip because I was free.

Huffington Post

The founding Pirelli family had lost its grip, and debts had spiralled out of control.

The Economist

MPs on the committee said the track and signalling operator Network Rail had "lost its grip" and demanded clearer accountability for project costs and management.

The Guardian - Business

Moreover, Asquith's government seemed to have lost its grip on affairs; newspapers carried reports of an inadequate supply of ammunition on the Western Front, and on May 15 the first sea lord, Adm. John Fisher, resigned.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "has lost its grip". It's often applied to institutions, organizations, or abstract concepts like "reality" or "inflation".

Common error

Avoid using "has lost its grip" when the subject has completely and irrevocably lost control. This phrase suggests a weakening hold, not a total absence of control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has lost its grip" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of declining control or influence. It typically modifies a noun, describing what entity is experiencing this loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has lost its grip" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a gradual decline in control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, often used to describe organizations, concepts, or abstract entities. While adaptable, its suitability varies by context; for instance, more technical language may be preferred in scientific or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has relinquished control

Focuses on the act of giving up control, rather than a gradual loss.

has forfeited its hold

Emphasizes the loss of a previously secure position or advantage.

has weakened its influence

Specifically highlights the decline in persuasive power or impact.

has become less effective

Focuses on the reduced ability to produce a desired outcome.

is no longer in charge

Implies a complete removal from a position of authority.

is out of control

Stresses the lack of regulation or management.

has become unmanageable

Highlights the difficulty in handling or directing something.

is losing its power

Focuses on the reduction of strength or authority.

has declined in importance

Emphasizes a decrease in significance or relevance.

is slipping from its grasp

Suggests a gradual and ongoing loss of control.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has lost its grip"?

It signifies that something or someone is gradually losing control, influence, or effectiveness over a situation or entity. The phrase suggests a decline rather than a complete absence of power.

What are some alternatives to "has lost its grip"?

You can use alternatives like "has relinquished control", "has weakened its influence", or "is losing its power" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to say a person "has lost its grip"?

While technically grammatically correct, it's more common to use "has lost its grip" to describe organizations, concepts, or abstract entities. For a person, phrases like "is losing control" or "is losing their touch" might be more suitable.

How is "has lost its grip" different from "is out of control"?

"Has lost its grip" implies a gradual decline in control, while "is out of control" suggests a more immediate and possibly chaotic situation where control is absent altogether.