lost a match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost a match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation in which a competitor or team did not win a game or contest. Example: "After a tough game, the team unfortunately lost a match against their rivals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just lost a match".

The New York Times - Sports

"So far, I've never lost a match".

The New York Times

Azarenka has not lost a match this year.

The New York Times - Sports

"We haven't lost a match," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Look, on Sunday we lost a match.

The Guardian - Sport

We lost a match to a great team.

Independent

"I lost a match and that's it," Li snapped.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has not lost a match since November.

The New York Times - Sports

England have not lost a match in Brazil since 1976.

The Guardian - Sport

He's just lost a match he could have won.

The New York Times - Sports

But England would still have lost a match they went on to save.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "suffered a defeat" or "failed to win" to prevent repetition and make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses when describing the event. For example, instead of saying "he lose a match yesterday", use the correct past tense: "he "lost a match" yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost a match" functions as a declarative statement, typically indicating a completed action where an individual or team did not win a competitive event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lost a match" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the outcome of a competitive event where an individual or team did not win. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and wiki content. While suitable for neutral contexts, synonyms like "suffered a defeat" or "failed to win" can add variety to your writing. The phrase's frequency and diverse source types highlight its broad acceptance and understanding in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was defeated in a match

Rephrases the idea using a passive voice construction to emphasize the act of being defeated.

suffered a defeat in the match

Focuses on the negative experience of defeat rather than simply stating the loss.

came up short in the match

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate failing to achieve victory.

failed to win the match

Directly states the lack of success in achieving victory.

was unable to secure a win in the match

Emphasizes the inability to achieve victory, highlighting the struggle.

succumbed to defeat in the match

Implies a yielding or giving in to the opposing force.

yielded the match

Highlights the act of relinquishing control or victory to the opponent.

relinquished the match

Conveys a sense of giving up or surrendering the match.

conceded the match

Suggests accepting defeat, often after a prolonged struggle.

the match slipped away

Emphasizes the loss as an unintentional event, with a sense of missed opportunity.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "lost a match"?

You can use phrases like "suffered a defeat", "failed to win", or "was defeated" depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lost a match"?

Yes, "lost a match" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object order and uses the past tense of the verb "lose" correctly.

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

You can use it in sentences like: "The team unfortunately "lost a match" against their rivals", or "Despite their best efforts, they "lost a match" in the final round".

What's the difference between "lost a match" and "losing a match"?

"Lost a match" is in the past tense, indicating a completed event. "Losing a match" is in the present continuous tense, referring to an ongoing or habitual action or situation.