lose space

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose space" is not a proper phrase in written English.
You would need to use a phrase such as "lose ground" or "lose sight of." For example, "As the heated argument continued, both sides began to lose ground to the other."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

No one likes to lose space.

The New York Times

You lose space for innovation and risk, as it doesn't fit into that straitjacket," he said.

The Guardian

In that direction, moderate and West-related groups tend to lose space in politics.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

For example, when you share folders with other users, their storage quota isn't counted against them (under Dropbox, the recipients are "forced" to lose space).

TechCrunch

Established political parties are bound to lose space.

Huffington Post

The main branch would lose space for its research book collection while gaining a collection of circulating books and a broader user base.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Bucs linebackers and sub-package safeties have a tendency to lose spacing discipline and drift too deep in zone coverage.

The New York Times

Sergio Busquets looks lost, space opening up around him.

The Guardian - Sport

The lost space from those floors will be added to other buildings on the site.

The New York Times

Hidden spaces at the Frick Museum remind Mark Lamster of a truly lost space: the Lenox Library.

The New Yorker

We're losing space where we can speak our minds, whether we are wrong or right.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a decrease in physical area, consider using more precise terms like "reduce area" or "diminish space" instead of the less formal "lose space".

Common error

Avoid using "lose space" when you mean inefficient space usage. For inefficient space usage, you should use "wasted space" or "squandered area".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose space" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a reduction in available area or a decrease in the extent of something. Ludwig AI indicates that this is not a proper phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose space" is used to describe a reduction in available area, but is considered incorrect in written English according to Ludwig AI. While it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it is best to consider more precise alternatives like "reduce area" or "diminish space", especially in formal writing. When you intend to convey inefficient usage of space, consider using the expression "waste space" instead of "lose space". Choosing an adequate option when describing the reduction of something ensures accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forgo space

This alternative suggests a deliberate decision to give up space.

sacrifice area

This alternative implies giving up area for a particular purpose or benefit.

reduce area

This alternative directly states that the amount of area is diminished.

diminish space

Similar to "reduce area", this implies a decrease in the available area.

waste space

This alternative indicates inefficient or unproductive use of area.

squander area

Similar to "waste space", but stronger, implying careless loss of area.

deprive of space

This alternative implies taking away space from someone or something.

decrease spatial extent

This alternative refers to making the spatial extent smaller.

relinquish territory

This alternative specifically refers to giving up control or ownership of territory or land.

yield area

This alternative suggests giving up area, often under pressure or necessity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lose space"?

You can use alternatives like "forgo space", "reduce area", or "waste space" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lose space" in formal writing?

While understandable, "lose space" isn't considered strictly formal. Opt for more precise alternatives such as "diminish space" or "reduce area" in formal contexts.

How does "lose space" differ from "waste space"?

"Lose space" generally implies a reduction in available area, while "waste space" suggests inefficient or unproductive use of the existing area.

What are some common contexts where "lose space" is used?

"Lose space" is often used in discussions about urban planning, architecture, or storage solutions, where the efficient use of area is a concern. However, keep in mind that the expression is not always deemed appropriate.