i lost him

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I lost him" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the act of losing someone or something, typically in a physical or literal sense. Example: "I was at the market with my brother, but then I turned around and he was gone. I searched everywhere but I couldn't find him. I lost him in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I lost him".

The New York Times

"And I lost him.

The Guardian - Books

I lost him about halfway through.

The New York Times - Arts

And I lost him in May".

The New York Times - Sports

I lost him in 2002.

The Guardian

"I lost him," she said.

The New Yorker

"But when I lost him it was beyond words".

The New Yorker

I was devastated when I lost him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Will I lose him?

Independent

"If I lose him, I lose my life," Mr. Ahmed said.

The New York Times

If I lose him, I don't know what I'm going to do".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i lost him", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical disappearance, a loss through death, or a metaphorical loss like a fading connection.

Common error

Avoid using "i lost him" in situations where the meaning could be unclear. Provide clarifying details to specify if the loss is temporary, permanent, or metaphorical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i lost him" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It conveys information about a past event, specifically the act of losing someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i lost him" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the experience of losing someone or something. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, its specific meaning depends heavily on context, ranging from physical misplacement to the deeper sense of bereavement. For more formal settings, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives to avoid ambiguity. Whether describing a temporary separation or a permanent loss, the key is to provide enough context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i misplaced him

Implies a temporary loss, often due to carelessness.

i couldn't find him

Focuses on the inability to locate the person.

he slipped away from me

Suggests a subtle or unnoticed departure.

i was separated from him

Emphasizes the act of being parted, possibly by external factors.

i was bereaved of him

Highlights the sense of deep loss, usually due to death.

i parted ways with him

Suggests a voluntary separation or divergence of paths.

i waved goodbye to him

Implies a definitive farewell, often with finality.

i surrendered him

Emphasizes giving up control or possession of someone.

i forfeited him

Indicates a loss due to rules or consequences.

he vanished from my sight

Describes a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

FAQs

What does the phrase "I lost him" mean?

The phrase "I lost him" can refer to different types of loss, including physical disappearance, death, or a diminishing connection. The exact meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "I lost him" to indicate a temporary disappearance?

If you want to indicate a temporary disappearance, you could use phrases like "i misplaced him" or "i couldn't find him".

How can I express the sentiment of "I lost him" when referring to someone's death?

When referring to someone's death, more appropriate phrases would be "i was bereaved of him" or "he passed away".

Is "I lost him" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I lost him" might be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider more precise and formal alternatives depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.