it may become lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may become lost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something being misplaced or not being found in the future. Example: "If we don't back up our files regularly, important data may become lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An e-mail is quick, but it may become lost in the clutter that piles up each day.

Forbes

Should you to keep original, it may become lost of stolen.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Another advantage of electronic information was its ubiquity and permanence compared to paper records and radiographic films which may become lost or misplaced.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Thus, as populations are eliminated locally, potentially beneficial genes may become lost globally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The actual process of recovering the names may become lost in bureaucracy and foot-dragging.

The New York Times

However, some hawks may become lost when flights at prey take them over a considerable distance and out of sight of the falconer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're supposed to screen for terrorists when kids are 9 and 16?" Nonetheless, the details of the Tsarnaev family's odyssey may become lost in a larger debate over immigration policy, an issue that evokes visceral reactions.

The New York Times

Those with dementia may become lost on the way down long hallways, unable to find their cells; their behavioral outbursts lead to verbal abuse, even being chained to their beds, by guards who don't have to skills to handle them.

The New York Times

If you don't know the stories you may become lost in life".

Huffington Post

Souls cannot disappear, but perhaps may become lost for a time until allowed to exist freely.

Huffington Post

In her travels the old Siberian saying has proven true: "If you don't know the trees you may become lost in the forest.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may become lost", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it may become lost" in situations where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor or cause of the potential loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may become lost" functions as a modal expression indicating a possibility or potential future state. Ludwig AI highlights examples where documents, data, or even abstract concepts like 'details' or 'souls' risk disappearing or being irretrievable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may become lost" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of something being misplaced or disappearing in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests it is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to science and general writing. While the phrase isn't particularly common, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage allows for precise communication and nuance in expressing potential future uncertainties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might get lost

Uses a different modal verb to indicate possibility.

it could be misplaced

Focuses on the potential for incorrect placement rather than complete loss.

it is liable to be lost

Indicates a higher probability of being lost.

it's possible it will be lost

Emphasizes the possibility with a slightly more verbose structure.

it runs the risk of being lost

Highlights the risk associated with the item being lost.

it is in danger of being lost

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences of losing the item.

it could vanish

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance.

it may disappear

Synonymous, but puts emphasis on disappearing.

it might be forgotten

Shifts the focus from physical loss to being forgotten or overlooked.

it is prone to getting lost

Highlights a tendency or predisposition to being lost.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it may become lost" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it is liable to be lost" or "it runs the risk of being lost", which convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What's a more casual way to say "it may become lost"?

In casual contexts, you could use phrases like "it might get lost" or "it could be misplaced". These options are simpler and more conversational.

When is it appropriate to use "it may become lost"?

The phrase "it may become lost" is appropriate when discussing the possibility of something being misplaced, forgotten, or otherwise irretrievable in the future. It works well in both formal and informal settings, depending on the surrounding language.

Is there a difference between "it may become lost" and "it may be lost"?

Yes, "it may become lost" implies a future possibility of losing something, whereas "it may be lost" suggests a present state of being lost. The former focuses on the process of losing, while the latter focuses on the current status.