lost a gem

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost a gem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to have lost something valuable or precious. Example: I can't believe I lost a gem like that necklace my grandmother gave me. It was a family heirloom and now it's gone forever.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We have lost a gem!

The New York Times

Now, Gilbert has lost a gem in James.

The New York Times - Sports

We all lost a gem, a real gem.

The New York Times

Since the disappearance one of his followers wrote: "Captain pls come back, we are waiting you for more videos…" Another said: "I'd say we lost a gem of a man … a great mind and a kind heart".

Independent

The City of Chicago has lost a gem.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The TSU family has truly lost a precious gem.

Los Angeles Times

Miami lost a true gem when local DJ Gooddroid moved to New York, taking her beloved underground vogue night Catwalk with her.

Vice

Don't sit idly by and let New York City lose a cultural gem.

The New York Times

But I worry about the Marlborough's sustainability as they need funding otherwise we are going to lose a Brighton gem.

The Guardian

In the meantime, "Pneumonia," thanks in part to Napster, began to attract a cult following as a lost alt.country gem.

The New York Times - Arts

This sounds like it could have could have been a lost Paradise Garage gem, but it was only released last year.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's passing, consider using "lost a gem" to convey the unique qualities and contributions of the deceased. This phrase adds a layer of emotional depth and personal significance to the announcement.

Common error

Avoid using "lost a gem" for minor inconveniences or easily replaceable items. The phrase carries a strong emotional weight, and overuse can diminish its impact and appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost a gem" functions as an expression of loss, typically referring to something or someone highly valued. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in conveying the significance of what has been lost.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost a gem" is used to express a significant loss of something or someone highly valued. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and effectively conveys the depth of the loss. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for expressing sorrow. While the phrase is typically used to describe the loss of a valued person or object, it is important to avoid overuse in trivial situations, as this can dilute its impact. Understanding the context and emotional weight of "lost a gem" ensures it is used appropriately to convey genuine sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misplaced something precious

Focuses on the act of misplacing rather than a permanent loss, with an emphasis on the value of the item.

suffered the loss of a valuable item

A more formal and direct way of stating the loss, often used in official or legal contexts.

deprived of something cherished

Highlights the emotional connection to the lost item, suggesting it was deeply valued and appreciated.

no longer have something of value

A more general and descriptive way of expressing the loss of something valuable.

parted with a valued possession

Focuses on the act of separation from the item, rather than the emotional impact of the loss.

bereaved of a treasure

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the loss, suggesting a sense of grief or sorrow.

dispossessed of a treasure

Suggests being forcibly deprived of something precious, highlighting a sense of injustice or unfairness.

forsaken of something invaluable

Implies abandonment and the irretrievable nature of the lost item, stressing its unique importance.

relinquished a prized object

Implies a voluntary surrender of the item, often with a sense of regret or sacrifice.

sacrificed something priceless

Emphasizes the profound value of the lost item and the difficult choice involved in letting it go.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "lost a gem"?

Saying someone "lost a gem" implies that they have lost something or someone of great value, whether it's a precious item, a talented individual, or a cherished relationship. The phrase suggests the loss is significant and irreplaceable.

How can I use "lost a gem" in a sentence?

You can use "lost a gem" to express a feeling of deep loss and appreciation for what was lost. For example, you might say, "The company "lost a gem" when their star employee retired" or "We "lost a gem" with the passing of our beloved grandmother".

What are some alternative ways to express the sentiment of "lost a gem"?

Alternatives to "lost a gem" include "suffered a great loss", "lost someone irreplaceable", or "lost something invaluable". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nature of what was lost.

Is it appropriate to use "lost a gem" in formal writing?

While "lost a gem" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it's best suited for situations where emotional expression is appropriate. In formal or business writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "experienced a significant loss" or "no longer has access to a valuable resource".