it's lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's lost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is missing or cannot be found. Example: "I looked everywhere for my keys, but it's lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now it's lost the Sun's support too".

The Guardian

It's lost its prominence".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's lost its cachet completely".

The New York Times

"It's lost its sense of purpose".

The New York Times

But over the years it's lost its humanity".

Independent

Now, supporters of microfinance agree that it's lost its way.

The Guardian

It's lost its edginess.

BBC

"It's lost its identity somehow for me.

BBC

"It's lost its desire for power.

Huffington Post

It's lost none of its dark power, its nefarious pull.

Independent

It's lost all its charm".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's lost" to describe an abstract concept like hope or faith, ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, enhancing clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "its" (possessive form) when you mean "it's" (contraction of "it is"). For example, write "It's lost," not "Its lost."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's lost" functions primarily as a statement indicating that something or someone is missing, misplaced, or no longer retrievable. Ludwig AI indicates this aligns with standard grammatical rules and examples, where "it" refers to a previously mentioned subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's lost" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is missing, unrecoverable, or has disappeared. According to Ludwig AI, this aligns with standard English grammar. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using the phrase, remember to differentiate between "it's" (contraction of "it is" or "it has") and "its" (possessive pronoun) to avoid grammatical errors. The phrase is versatile and can be used in various situations, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is missing

Directly states that something cannot be found.

it is misplaced

Indicates something has been put in the wrong place.

it has vanished

Emphasizes the disappearance or complete removal of something.

it's no longer present

States directly that something is absent or not existing anymore.

it's gone astray

Suggests something has wandered off or been misplaced.

it's not recoverable

Similar to irretrievable, emphasizing the impossibility of getting something back.

it's irretrievable

Highlights that something cannot be recovered or brought back.

it's been forfeited

Implies something has been lost due to a rule or action.

it's dissipated

Suggests something has faded away or broken up.

it's been consumed

Indicates something has been used up or destroyed.

FAQs

How can I use "it's lost" in a sentence?

You can use "it's lost" to indicate that something is missing or cannot be found, such as "I think "it's lost" behind the couch".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's lost"?

Alternatives include "it is missing", "it has vanished", or "it is misplaced", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it's lost" or "its lost"?

"It's lost" is correct. "Its" is a possessive pronoun (e.g., "The dog wagged its tail"), while "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has".

What's the difference between "it's lost" and "it's been lost"?

"It's lost" implies a current state of being lost, whereas "it's been lost" suggests a past event with ongoing implications. For example, "It's lost now" vs. "It's been lost for days".