he is losing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is losing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is currently in the process of losing something, such as a game, a competition, or a state of control. Example: "In the final minutes of the match, he is losing his focus and making careless mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is Trump worried he is losing his pal to a bigger, meaner tyrant?

Huffington Post

He is losing himself.

The New York Times

He dreams that he is losing.

The New York Times

But he is losing friends fast.

The Guardian

He is losing to begin with.

The Guardian

He is losing Joey to another man.

The New York Times

He says he is losing 200 yuan a day.

The Economist

No fighter likes to be observed when he is losing.

The New Yorker

"They fear he is losing his mind," Kuko said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It suggests that he is losing his sense of timing.

The Economist

Without water, his business would close, but he is losing money and time fixing the problem.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is losing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lost. For instance, specify if it's a game, an argument, or an object.

Common error

Avoid using "he is losing" when a simple past tense ("he lost") is more appropriate to describe a completed action in the past. The continuous form implies an ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is losing" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. According to Ludwig, the structure indicates an action that is currently in progress. It describes someone who is in the process of losing something, be it a game, an object, or a quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is losing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in the English language. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action of decline or disadvantage. Examples from various sources, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, demonstrate its versatile application. The neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. While "he is losing" is widely accepted, it's important to ensure the continuous aspect is appropriate and that the context clearly specifies what is being lost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is failing

Focuses on the lack of success or achievement.

he is being defeated

Emphasizes the act of being overcome by an opponent.

he is declining

Highlights a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or strength.

he is falling behind

Indicates a loss of progress compared to others.

he is at a disadvantage

Stresses the unfavorable position he is in.

he is surrendering

Highlights the act of giving up or yielding.

he is forfeiting

Implies losing something as a result of a rule violation or choice.

he is relinquishing

Suggests the act of giving up control or possession.

he is squandering

Emphasizes the wasteful loss of resources or opportunities.

he is disappearing

Focuses on the loss from sight or existence.

FAQs

How can I use "he is losing" in a sentence?

Use "he is losing" to describe an ongoing process of losing something. For example, "He is losing his grip on the rope" indicates a continuous action.

What are some alternatives to "he is losing"?

You can use alternatives like "he is failing", "he is declining", or "he is falling behind" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he loses" instead of "he is losing"?

The choice between "he loses" and "he is losing" depends on the context. "He loses" describes a general or habitual action, while "he is losing" describes an action happening now.

What's the difference between "he is losing" and "he lost"?

"He is losing" describes an action in progress, while "he lost" describes a completed action in the past. For example, "He is losing the game" means the game is still ongoing, but he's in the process of losing. "He lost the game" means the game is over, and he was defeated.