is not lost on

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not lost on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that someone has understood or noticed something that is not obvious or apparent to others. An example of using this phrase in a sentence could be: "The irony of a famous chef burning dinner is not lost on his guests, who are usually the ones to receive compliments for their cooking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is not lost on students.

Huffington Post

This is not lost on the voters.

The Economist

"That is not lost on us.

The New York Times

It is not lost on Hossa.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not lost on Mr. Harman.

The New York Times

The lesson is not lost on Raff.

The New York Times - Books

This fact is not lost on Mrs. Trump.

The New York Times

The irony is not lost on Myint.

The Guardian

The irony is not lost on us.

The Guardian - Music

It is not lost on the L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

The irony is not lost on him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not lost on" when you want to subtly suggest that someone is aware of an implication or nuance that may not be immediately obvious to everyone.

Common error

Avoid using "is not lost on" when a more direct statement of understanding would be clearer and more impactful. The phrase works best when implying a deeper awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not lost on" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone is aware of or understands something, particularly a subtle point or implication. Ludwig's examples show it's frequently used to highlight irony, significance, or potential consequences that someone has recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not lost on" is a common idiom used to indicate that someone is aware of something, especially something subtle or ironic. According to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, signifying a neutral to professional register. While direct alternatives exist, this idiom offers a nuanced way to highlight awareness, and the plentiful examples available in Ludwig emphasize its utility in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not unnoticed by

Stresses the fact that something has been observed and acknowledged.

is well understood by

Highlights the level of comprehension regarding a particular subject.

is clearly understood by

Focuses on the clarity of the understanding.

is keenly aware of

Emphasizes the sharpness and intensity of awareness.

is well recognized by

Indicates broad acknowledgment or acceptance of a fact or situation.

is fully appreciated by

Focuses on the appreciation aspect, implying a value is recognized.

is something they comprehend

Simple restructuring to emphasize comprehension.

they are cognizant of

Uses more formal vocabulary to express awareness.

they grasp the significance of

Emphasizes understanding the importance or impact.

it registers with them

Emphasizes that something has made an impression or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "is not lost on" in a sentence?

Use "is not lost on" to indicate that someone is aware of something, especially something subtle or ironic. For instance, "The irony of the situation "is not lost on" the experienced negotiator."

What are some alternatives to "is not lost on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is fully appreciated by", "is well understood by", or "is keenly aware of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "is not lost on"?

While grammatically correct, "is not lost on" might be inappropriate in very informal contexts or when a more direct statement would be clearer. Overusing it can also make your writing sound pretentious.

What does "is not lost on" exactly mean?

It means that someone is aware of or understands something, often something implied or subtle. It suggests a level of insight or comprehension beyond the obvious.