loses grasp of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loses grasp of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is no longer able to understand or maintain control over something. Example: "As the project progressed, he slowly loses grasp of the original objectives, leading to confusion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Harvey's first novel, The Wilderness, traced the descent of an aging architect into dementia as he loses grasp of his own memories and consequently his identity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"They are in such a bunker that they have lost grasp of what it means to be in society, to be a good neighbour, to be a good Christian and Catholic .But at least they are able, from time to time, to figure out when they have to cut their losses.

The Economist

So, now I've got on that Falcon trainer look, like at any moment a giant screeching bird is going to mount my arm and make me lose grasp of my boarding pass.

Huffington Post

"These wines are quite elusive -- you grasp and lose, grasp and lose," he said, adding -- ever the Frenchman -- "They are like women".

The New York Times

(See "BP Losing Grasp On Siberian Gas").

Forbes

Yet after his son is killed while serving in Afghanistan, Morris begins "to lose his grasp of himself".

The New York Times - Books

And a classic symptom of depression, as she notes earlier, is that you lose all grasp of truth.

The Guardian - Books

He three-putted from 25 feet on the last hole of the PGA Seniors' to lose outright grasp of second.

The New York Times - Sports

We see depression, anger, 'Why me?' We see anxiety develop because people start to lose their grasp of things".

The New York Times

The closer Hirsch came to the end of his memories, while writing the dossier, the more he felt that he was losing his grasp of his son.

The New Yorker

The ugliness started early in the playoffs and has ramped up at alarming speed, with the league having seemingly lost all grasp of how to deal with it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loses grasp of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lost, whether it's a concept, skill, or situation. Clarity in the object of the phrase is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "loses grasp of" when a weakening of the object is what's intended, but not total loss. For example, if someone's skill is merely diminishing, phrases like "skill deteriorates" or "competence weakens" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loses grasp of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decline in understanding, control, or connection with something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid expression used to show detachment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "loses grasp of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a decline in understanding, control, or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While suitable alternatives like "loses control over" or "loses understanding of" exist, the phrase maintains a versatile neutrality applicable across various contexts, prominently in news, encyclopedic, and scientific domains. Remember to apply it correctly and be mindful of potentially misattributing the loss. All of this contributes to its effectiveness in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loses understanding of

This alternative focuses specifically on the loss of comprehension.

loses awareness of

This alternative focuses on losing the state of being conscious or knowing about something.

loses control over

This alternative emphasizes a lack of control rather than understanding.

fails to comprehend

This alternative highlights a failure in understanding something.

loses sight of

This alternative emphasizes a loss of focus or perspective.

loses touch with

This alternative suggests a loss of connection or familiarity.

becomes disconnected from

This alternative suggests a severing of a connection or relationship.

forfeits command of

This alternative emphasizes the loss of authority or control.

is no longer aware of

This alternative underscores a lack of awareness or consciousness.

is oblivious to

This alternative suggests a state of unawareness or ignorance.

FAQs

How can I use "loses grasp of" in a sentence?

You can use "loses grasp of" to describe someone who is failing to understand or control something. For example, "As he aged, he "loses grasp of" the company's daily operations".

What are some alternatives to "loses grasp of"?

Alternatives include "loses control over", "loses understanding of", or "loses touch with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lose grasp of" or "loses grasp on"?

"Lose grasp of" and "loses grasp on" are very similar in meaning but "loses grasp of" is more common and generally preferred. The phrase "loses grasp on" is also used and acceptable, but it's less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "loses grasp of" and "misunderstands"?

"Loses grasp of" suggests a gradual decline in understanding or control, while "misunderstands" implies a specific instance of failing to understand something correctly. For example, someone "loses grasp of" a concept over time, but misunderstands a particular instruction.