it has been lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It has been lost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when you want to express that something has gone missing. For example, "My keys have been lost, and I don't know where I put them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We evaluated the probability that a COG is in the core of lost COGs given that it has been lost at least by mutualists or parasites from alpha- or gamma-proteobacteria (Additional file 4).

Biology Direct

The notarial document specifying the conditions for its construction has been preserved, although the drawing that accompanied it has been lost.

Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Now, she said: "It has been lost.

The New York Times

The vast majority of it has been lost.

The Guardian - Film

But it has been lost in translation for the guys between the posts.

The New York Times - Sports

Thirty years of programming is a mass of material, and none of it has been lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hope is a feeling that is hard to restore once it has been lost.

The New York Times

Less of it has been lost to erosion, and the sediments are not usually altered by rock-forming processes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If there is a distinction between Islamic anti-Judaism and modern anti-Semitism, it has been lost on French Islamists.

The New York Times

Management has helped conserve this unique landscape, whereas elsewhere in Britain it has been lost to afforestation, windfarms or overgrazing".

The Guardian

In mammals, methylation takes place selectively within the dinucleotide sequence CG a rare sequence, presumably because it has been lost by mutation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been lost", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, specify "the opportunity has been lost" instead of just "it has been lost".

Common error

Avoid using "it has been lost" excessively in writing, as it can create a passive tone. Consider using active voice constructions when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been lost" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (represented by "it") is no longer in one's possession or available. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and prevalent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has been lost" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that something is missing or irretrievable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what "it" refers to and consider whether a more active voice construction would enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is now gone

Focuses on the state of being no longer present or available.

it is irretrievable

Emphasizes the impossibility of recovering or retrieving something.

it is unrecoverable

Highlights the inability to restore something to its original condition.

it vanished completely

Stresses the thoroughness of the disappearance.

it disappeared entirely

Similar to 'vanished completely' but with slightly different wording.

it is no longer accessible

Highlights the inability to reach or use something.

it slipped away

Implies a gradual or subtle loss.

it faded from memory

Focuses on the loss of something from recollection.

it was misplaced

Suggests a temporary or accidental loss.

it is unattainable now

Emphasizes the impossibility to have it now.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "it has been lost"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is now gone", "it is irretrievable", or "it is unrecoverable" depending on the context.

What does "it has been lost" imply?

The phrase "it has been lost" implies that something is missing, whether physically, metaphorically, or conceptually. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

Is "it has been lost" formal or informal?

The phrase "it has been lost" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more direct language may be preferable in certain situations.

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

The phrase "it has been lost" indicates a present perfect tense, implying the loss occurred at some point in the past and is still relevant or has ongoing consequences. "It was lost" is past simple, indicating a completed action in the past with no necessary connection to the present.