it lost ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lost ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something has become less competitive or has diminished in influence or position. Example: "In the latest market analysis, the company found that it lost ground to its competitors due to a lack of innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Its home entertainment business struggled as LG admitted it "lost ground" on its rivals.

TechCrunch

But the party's troubles only deepened as it lost ground to its rival, the Democratic Party.

The New York Times

It lost ground against the yen, selling at 118.54, down from 119.30 on Friday.

The New York Times

Ireland, however, did not; in fact, it lost ground relative to America, growing just 0.5% per year per capita.

The Economist

But it lost ground early on to Novell Inc., which emphasized software over hardware, and more recently to Cisco Systems.

The New York Times

Yet state governments run by the BJP have proved not very different from any other, and in the recent election it lost ground in the states it runs.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

That helped Motorola stock recover some of its lost ground and it closed at $36.06.

Forbes

Only one showed it losing ground.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it loses ground when it comes to the war itself.

The Guardian - Film

Every quarter that the economy grows at a rate below 3.5 percent, it loses ground relative to the long-term trend.

The New York Times

If it loses ground there, as the anti-incumbency tick suggests it might, it is not obvious where it can make it up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lost ground", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lost ground" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a decrease in position, influence, or market share. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its application in various real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it lost ground" is a versatile expression used to describe a decline in position, influence, or market share. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the referent of "it" is unambiguous. While the phrase is generally neutral, writers should avoid overusing "it" to maintain sentence variety. Related phrases include "it diminished", "it declined", and "it fell behind", each carrying slightly different connotations. By understanding these nuances, writers can use "it lost ground" effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it fell behind

This suggests a failure to keep pace with competitors or expectations.

it declined

This term emphasizes a downward trend or decrease in a measurable aspect.

it was overtaken

This suggests being surpassed by a competitor or changing circumstances.

it diminished

This alternative focuses on the reduction in size, importance, or quality.

it weakened

This emphasizes a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

it receded

This implies a withdrawal or retreat from a previously held position.

it became less competitive

This focuses on a reduced ability to compete effectively in a given market or situation.

it ceded influence

This explicitly refers to the relinquishing of power or control.

it deteriorated

This indicates a worsening condition or decline in quality.

it suffered setbacks

This highlights specific obstacles or failures encountered.

FAQs

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

You can use "it lost ground" to describe a decline in position, influence, or market share. For example, "The company "it lost ground" to its competitors due to a lack of innovation."

What can I say instead of "it lost ground"?

You can use alternatives like "it fell behind", "it declined", or "it weakened" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it lost ground" or "it lost its ground"?

"It lost ground" is generally preferred because it's more concise and idiomatic. "It lost its ground" is grammatically correct but less commonly used and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "it lost ground" and "it gave ground"?

"It lost ground" implies an involuntary decline, while "it gave ground" suggests a voluntary concession or retreat.