lose consciousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose consciousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can generally be used when referring to someone losing consciousness in a medical or injury-related context. For example, "The patient lost consciousness after hitting his head on the pavement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes they lose consciousness.

Independent

Kariya didn't lose consciousness.

The New York Times - Sports

He did not lose consciousness.

The New York Times

"I didn't lose consciousness," he remembers.

Independent

Shoemaker never appeared to lose consciousness.

The Guardian - Sport

Little by little they waste away and finally lose consciousness.

Harvard University

Boss said he did not lose consciousness on the hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Remember what can happen when you lose consciousness".

The New York Times

If I can lose consciousness for three minutes, I'm refreshed.

The New Yorker

The A's said he did not lose consciousness.

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt I'm almost going to lose consciousness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical situation, use "lose consciousness" to maintain a professional tone. In less formal settings, consider alternatives like "pass out" or "black out".

Common error

Avoid using "lose consciousness" interchangeably with terms like "sleep" or "drowsiness". "Lose consciousness" specifically implies a lack of awareness and responsiveness, often due to a medical event or injury.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose consciousness" functions as a verb phrase, where "lose" is the verb and "consciousness" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the action of ceasing to be conscious. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and prevalent in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose consciousness" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes a state of unawareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While alternatives like "pass out" or "faint" exist, "lose consciousness" provides a more formal and clinical tone. When writing about medical events or physical conditions, remembering the specific and serious meaning of "lose consciousness" is crucial. It should not be confused with related but distinct concepts like drowsiness or sleep.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become unconscious

A more formal and clinical way to say "lose consciousness".

fall unconscious

Emphasizes the act of entering an unconscious state.

pass out

A more informal way to describe losing consciousness.

lapse into unconsciousness

Suggests a gradual transition into an unconscious state.

become unresponsive

Describes a state where the person does not respond to stimuli

faint

Implies a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness, often due to a drop in blood pressure.

succumb to unconsciousness

Implies being overcome by a state of unconsciousness, often due to injury or illness.

black out

Similar to "pass out", but can also refer to a memory lapse.

go blank

Indicates a brief loss of awareness or responsiveness.

enter a coma

Refers to a prolonged state of unconsciousness.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lose consciousness"?

To "lose consciousness" means to become unaware and unresponsive to your surroundings, often due to injury, illness, or a medical condition. It signifies a temporary or prolonged interruption of awareness.

What can I say instead of "lose consciousness"?

You can use alternatives like "pass out", "faint", or "become unconscious" depending on the context.

What are common causes of losing consciousness?

Common causes include head injuries, strokes, heart attacks, seizures, low blood sugar, and drug overdoses. Any condition that affects the brain's function or blood flow can lead to a loss of consciousness.

Is "lose consciousness" a medical emergency?

Yes, any instance of losing consciousness should be treated as a potential medical emergency. It's important to seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause and prevent further complications.