lose time

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a situation in which time is being wasted or not used in a constructive way. For example, "The students spent all their free time playing video games, so they were losing time that could have been spent studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Obviously, we did lose time".

The New York Times - Health

We don't want to lose time.

The New York Times

We didn't lose time today.

The Guardian - Sport

You just don't want to lose time".

The New York Times - Magazine

A GC rider might lose time.

The Guardian - Sport

Do not lose time removing contact lenses before rinsing.

Princeton University

Do not lose time because of poor planning.

The New York Times

"I rehearsed all my gestures, so I wouldn't lose time.

The New Yorker

But he can also lose time in the time trials.

The New York Times - Sports

You lose time by clicking and scrolling and getting lost.

The Guardian

"With a name this complicated, you lose time," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management or deadlines, use "lose time" to underscore the importance of efficiency and avoiding delays. For instance, "We cannot afford to "lose time" on this critical phase of the project."

Common error

Avoid using "lose time" when you mean time that is permanently gone. "Lose time" typically refers to falling behind schedule or a reduction in efficiency, not an absolute loss of time. For irreversible loss, use phrases like "time is lost forever."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose time" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a process of falling behind, wasting time, or becoming less efficient. Ludwig examples showcase its role in describing delays or inefficiencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lose time" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating inefficiency, falling behind schedule, or general time wastage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Academia, and Science reflects its broad applicability. To avoid confusion, be mindful of its subtle difference from expressing a permanent loss of time. By using contextually appropriate alternatives like "waste time" or "fall behind schedule", you can achieve greater precision in your writing. Remember, "lose time" emphasizes a recoverable delay or an inefficiency rather than an absolute loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Waste time

Focuses on using time ineffectively or unproductively.

Fall behind schedule

Implies a deviation from a planned timeline, resulting in lateness.

Squander time

Suggests recklessly wasting time on frivolous activities.

Get delayed

Highlights the experience of being held back or slowed down.

Miss the deadline

Emphasizes the failure to complete something by a specific time.

Be unproductive

Describes a state of not achieving meaningful results within a timeframe.

Suffer setbacks

Suggests encountering obstacles that cause delays or regression.

Draw back

Suggests being set back in time, sometimes due to physical obstruction.

Pass time

Suggests passing the time with low-impact, leisurely activities, which are unproductive.

Defer

Highlights the deliberate postponement or rescheduling of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose time" to indicate falling behind schedule or wasting valuable moments, such as, "If we don't streamline the process, we'll "lose time" and resources."

What's a good alternative to "lose time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "lose time" include phrases like "waste time", "fall behind schedule", or "squander time".

Is it better to say "lose time" or "waste time"?

Both "lose time" and "waste time" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Lose time" often implies falling behind or inefficiency, while "waste time" suggests using time unproductively or frivolously.

In what contexts is "lose time" most appropriately used?

"Lose time" is often used in contexts where schedules, efficiency, or progress are being discussed. It's appropriate when describing delays in projects, races, or any situation where timing is crucial. For example, "The team can't "lose time" due to unforeseen challenges."