losing weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reducing body weight, often in the context of health, fitness, or dieting. Example: "Many people struggle with losing weight, especially during the holiday season when unhealthy foods are abundant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is he losing weight?

The New York Times

Marchella kept losing weight.

The New York Times

Losing weight hasn't been easy.

The New York Times - Health

He'd be losing weight soon.

The New Yorker

She began losing weight.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was losing weight.

The Guardian

No losing weight.

The New York Times

"Losing weight isn't about pills".

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't about losing weight.

The Guardian - Film

"Girl 1 started losing weight.

The New York Times

No wonder she's losing weight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using overly casual or insensitive language when discussing "losing weight", especially in professional or formal settings. Consider the potential impact of your words on others.

Common error

Be mindful of whether the weight loss is intentional or unintentional. Use "losing weight" to describe intentional efforts, but for unexplained or concerning weight loss, it's better to say "experiencing weight loss" or "showing signs of weight loss" to avoid implying intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing weight" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to the process or act of reducing one's body weight. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as discussing health goals or the challenges involved in the process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Huffington Post

10%

Vice

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "losing weight" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the process of reducing body weight. According to Ludwig AI, its use spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Wiki articles, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure clarity and sensitivity, particularly when distinguishing between intentional and unintentional weight loss. Alternative phrases, such as "weight reduction" or "shedding pounds", can provide additional nuance. Being mindful of potential errors and following best practices will enhance your writing, as Ludwig AI examples demonstrate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weight reduction

Focuses on the act of reducing weight, often in a medical or technical context.

shedding pounds

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the physical act of losing weight.

reducing body mass

A more clinical and scientific way to describe weight loss.

trimming down

Suggests a reduction in size or bulk, often implying a visual improvement.

slimming down

Similar to trimming down, but specifically refers to becoming thinner.

dropping weight

Emphasizes the quick or unintentional nature of weight loss.

getting thinner

Focuses on the visual outcome of weight loss.

becoming lighter

Highlights the decrease in weight, often implying improved physical condition.

decreasing body fat

Targets the specific component of weight that is being reduced.

leaning out

Common in fitness contexts, referring to losing fat while maintaining muscle.

FAQs

How can I use "losing weight" in a sentence?

You can use "losing weight" to describe the process of reducing body mass, such as: "She is "interested in" losing weight to improve her health" or "Losing weight isn't easy, but it's worth it".

What are some alternatives to "losing weight"?

Alternatives include "weight reduction", "shedding pounds", or "reducing body mass" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "losing weight" or "weight loss"?

"Losing weight" describes the process, while "weight loss" refers to the result or state. For example, "losing weight isn't about pills" (process) versus "weight loss supplement" (result).

What should I consider when discussing "losing weight"?

When discussing "losing weight", it's crucial to be sensitive to individual circumstances and avoid making assumptions about someone's health or personal choices. Focus on the positive aspects of healthy habits and be supportive.