lose all feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose all feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional numbness or detachment, often in a context of distress or trauma. Example: "After the traumatic event, I felt as if I had lost all feeling, unable to connect with my emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is a matter of stopping and refuelling, filling yourself up again before you lose all feeling.

The Guardian - Arts

SC: Speaking of famous Republicans, when Bob unhinges his grin and appears to lose all feeling in his face, it is priceless.

The New York Times

Mike Casella, 59, from Queens, said that after his G train struck and killed a man at Flushing Avenue 25 years ago, the shock of the accident caused him to lose all feeling beneath his waist.

The New York Times

Why drive hours north to lose all feeling in your toes and do heavy labor, when there are plenty of nice people in the business of doing that for you?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If I ever lose my voice or lose all the feeling in my body, I could just sit down and think back about those years.

Vice

In 1783, London's Morning Daily Advertiser said that "the lower orders of people habituated to the almost daily return of sanguinary spectacle will, by degrees, lose all feelings..."...

The Guardian - Opinion

He lost all feeling for humanity".

The New Yorker

"I've lost all feeling there now," he says.

The New Yorker

I had lost all feeling in my pinkie toes.

The New York Times - Travel

Cradling her head, Cillian lost all feeling in his legs.

The New Yorker

What worried her most was that she had lost all feeling in her legs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lose all feeling", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical sensation, an emotional state, or both. Specify the body part or emotion if needed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lose all feeling" when only a partial loss of feeling is intended. For instance, instead of saying "I lost all feeling in my hand", specify the extent of the loss, such as "I lost some feeling" or "I lost most feeling" if it's not a complete loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose all feeling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of emotional or physical numbness. Ludwig examples demonstrate usage in contexts ranging from physical sensations to emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose all feeling" describes a state of significant sensory or emotional reduction, as verified by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and found in diverse contexts, primarily within news and media, and to a lesser extent, scientific publications. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating the phrase's use to depict both physical numbness and emotional detachment. While generally neutral in register, specificity is key, with the level of precision varying depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no feeling

Expresses the absence of feeling in a direct manner.

become numb

Focuses on the state of numbness rather than the act of losing feeling.

feel nothing

A more concise and direct expression of emotional numbness.

go numb

A simpler way to describe the onset of numbness.

experience emotional detachment

Specifically refers to emotional disconnection.

feel emotionally numb

Highlights the emotional aspect of numbness.

feel detached

Emphasizes a sense of disconnection from emotions or surroundings.

lose sensation

Focuses on the loss of physical feeling rather than emotional.

be devoid of emotion

Stresses the complete absence of emotional response.

become desensitized

Implies a gradual process of losing sensitivity.

FAQs

How can I use "lose all feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "lose all feeling" to describe a state of numbness, either physical or emotional. For example, "After being outside in the cold for hours, I began to lose all feeling in my toes" or "After the shocking news, she seemed to "become numb" and lose all feeling".

What's the difference between "lose all feeling" and "become numb"?

"Lose all feeling" describes the action of becoming numb, whereas ""become numb"" describes the resulting state. You lose all feeling to become numb.

Are there synonyms for the phrase "lose all feeling"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases such as ""become numb"", "experience emotional detachment", or "feel emotionally numb".

Is it appropriate to use "lose all feeling" in formal writing?

Yes, "lose all feeling" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it fits the context. In some cases, more precise language may be preferable depending on the subject. For example, in a scientific context, describing the specific type of sensation that is lost might be more useful.