it is lost

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is lost" is a correct and usable sentence in written English and can be used in many situations.
For example: "I have been searching for my keys for hours, but it is lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is lost paychecks".

The New York Times

An instant later, it is lost.

The New Yorker

"You value it when it is lost".

The New York Times

This information can never be regained once it is lost.

The New York Times

Alas, it is lost, swallowed by a carp.

The New York Times

"Once it goes the luxury route, it is lost forever".

The New York Times

Once wildlife is lost, it is lost forever.

The Guardian

All I know is that it is lost, gone".

The Guardian - Books

If it is lost, can it be recovered?

The Guardian - Tech

And it may be that we understand it, truly and deeply, only when it is lost.

The New Yorker

The message is in the medium, and it is lost in translation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is lost", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'the opportunity is lost' rather than relying on a vague 'it'.

Common error

Avoid using "it is lost" when the subject is unclear or unestablished in the preceding sentences. Always ensure the referent of "it" is explicitly defined to maintain clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is lost" typically functions as a statement indicating that something is missing, irrecoverable, or has been misunderstood. It uses a subject pronoun and a passive verb construction to express a state of being. Ludwig AI affirms that this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is lost" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys a sense of something being missing, irrecoverable, or misunderstood. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotation can vary depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining what "it" refers to, and avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "it is gone" or "it is irretrievable" can offer alternative nuances. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian exemplify authoritative use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is gone

Replaces "lost" with "gone", emphasizing the absence or disappearance of something.

it is irretrievable

Substitutes "lost" with "irretrievable", highlighting the impossibility of recovering something.

it is unrecoverable

Similar to "irretrievable", but focuses on the inability to regain something.

it is missing

Replaces "lost" with "missing", indicating something is not where it should be.

it is misplaced

Suggests something is temporarily lost and may be found later.

it is nowhere to be found

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of locating something.

it cannot be found

A more formal way of saying something is missing or lost.

it is not understood

Shifts the meaning to something being incomprehensible or unclear.

it is beyond recall

Highlights the inability to remember or bring something back to mind.

it has vanished

Emphasizes the sudden and complete disappearance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is lost" in a sentence?

You can use "it is lost" to indicate that something is missing, irrecoverable, or misunderstood. For example, "If the data isn't backed up, "it is lost" forever."

What's a more formal alternative to "it is lost"?

A more formal alternative could be "it is irretrievable" or "it is unrecoverable", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What does "it is lost on me" mean?

"It is lost on me" means that something is not understood or appreciated by the speaker. For example, "The humor in that joke "it is lost" on me."

When is it appropriate to use "it is lost" in writing?

It is appropriate when discussing something that cannot be recovered, whether physically (like a lost item) or conceptually (like a lost opportunity). Ensure the context makes the meaning clear.