lose sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "lose understanding; become confused" or "cease to make sense." For example, "I started to lose sense of what he was saying when he switched topics mid-sentence".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He'll lose sense of the line between boldness and recklessness.

The New York Times

I began to lose sense of logic and proportion.

The New York Times

The gaudy décor begins to seem normal as you lose sense of your everyday self amid the ornate.

The New York Times - Travel

Lacking direction, you almost lose sense of what place meant to the Bloomsberries; however, paintings, drawings and home furnishings by the group allow an understanding to emerge.

The New York Times - Books

It's a world view, with nothingness conferring meaning on what precedes, just as a novel gains meaning from its conclusion and would lose sense were it to patter on interminably.

The New Yorker

It's easy to lose sense of time at Roaring, due in part to the fact that you don't have to stick to a schedule.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I totally lost sense of time.

The New York Times

He lost sense of time and self-possession.

The New York Times

"That can help to rebuild the lost sense of trust," he said.

The New York Times

If we regress, we regress to a lost sense of significance we mourn for.

The New York Times

In the middle I started hallucinating and completely lost sense of where I was.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lose sense", ensure the context clarifies what specific sense (e.g. time, direction, reality) is being lost to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "lose sense" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less precise. Consider stronger verbs or more specific phrasing to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose sense" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often followed by "of" and a noun, indicating a loss of understanding, awareness, or a specific faculty. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose sense" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a loss of understanding, awareness, or perception. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is frequently used in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. While generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of its usage in formal contexts, opting for more precise language when appropriate. The examples provided by Ludwig AI validate the phrase's usability and offer insights into its diverse applications. Consider similar phrases like "become confused", "lose perspective", or "become disoriented" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose touch with reality

Signifies a detachment from the real world.

become confused

Highlights the state of mental bewilderment.

lose perspective

Emphasizes the loss of a balanced viewpoint.

become disoriented

Focuses on spatial or cognitive disorientation.

lose awareness

Focuses on the reduction of consciousness.

misunderstand

Suggests a failure to comprehend correctly.

fail to grasp

Indicates an inability to comprehend.

become detached

Highlights a sense of emotional disconnection.

go astray

Implies a deviation from a correct path or understanding.

get lost

Suggests a loss of direction, either physically or mentally.

FAQs

How can I use "lose sense" in a sentence?

You can use "lose sense" to describe a loss of understanding or awareness, such as "After the accident, he began to "lose sense of time"" or "She started to "lose sense of reality" after taking the medication".

What are some synonyms for "lose sense"?

Alternatives to "lose sense" include "become confused", "lose perspective", or "become disoriented", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "losing sense" or should I always use "lose sense"?

Both "lose sense" and "losing sense" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Lose sense" is typically used in the infinitive form (e.g. "to lose sense"), while "losing sense" is used in continuous tenses (e.g. "I am losing sense") or as a gerund (e.g. "Losing sense of direction is common in this area").

What's the difference between "lose sense of" and "lose a sense of"?

"Lose sense of" generally refers to a broad or general loss of understanding or awareness, such as "lose sense of direction". "Lose a sense of" typically refers to losing a particular feeling or quality, such as "lose a sense of hope".