lost connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost connection" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a situation where a connection between two or more devices or individuals has been severed or interrupted. Example: "I apologize for the delay in our conversation. I lost connection for a moment, but I'm back now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Solomon remarks, "The most common charge against sentimentality is that it involves false emotion" and displacement we are moved not because of the movie before us, but for our own lost youth, lost connection, lost familial love.

Vice

For the most part, that was true of Hotspot Shield, though occasionally it took a while to connect or temporarily lost connection without warning.

The New York Times

"I had lost connection with Liu Xia..

Independent

The story begins with the mystery of the lost connection between Clare and David.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes we get cut off," Ms. Switzer said, referring to a lost connection.

The New York Times

Survivors of the lost connection instantly appear in rage and war paint; one's in clown face.

The New York Times - Arts

An elite had totally lost connection with how the issues of immigration were being felt and experienced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sanford lost the use of his legs in the car accident that killed his father and sister, lost connection to his body and lost his childhood.

Independent

Sadly, many communities have lost connection with where they live, as evidenced by the experience that has been the catalyst for Sustrans community street design projects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

With this tour, Mr. Marsalis and Mr. Gibson hope that Jazz at Lincoln Center, already renowned for its concerts, education programs, workshops and television and radio broadcasts, will help revive the long-lost connection between jazz and dance, currently getting a boost from the Broadway hits "Contact" and "Swing".

The New York Times - Arts

But more than that, I felt a strange, long-lost connection with a woman I hardly knew.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing temporary disruptions, consider using "momentarily lost connection" for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "loose connection" when you mean "lost connection". "Loose connection" implies a physical connection that is not tight or secure, while "lost connection" means that the connection has been entirely severed or interrupted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost connection" functions primarily as a noun phrase often following a verb, describing a state of disconnection or interruption. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for use in written English. Examples show it describing both literal (technical) and figurative (emotional) disconnections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost connection" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical and emotional disconnections. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to personal conversations. While alternatives like "disconnected" and "severed ties" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for choosing the most appropriate term. Remember to avoid confusing it with "loose connection", which has a different meaning. Given its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as the The New York Times and The Guardian, "lost connection" remains a reliable and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disconnected

A more concise term emphasizing the state of being separated or not linked.

severed ties

Implies a more deliberate and forceful ending of a relationship or link.

broken link

More literal, often referring to technological or digital connections.

interrupted communication

Focuses on the disruption of the communication process.

lapsed relationship

Suggests a gradual fading or ending of a relationship over time.

ceased communication

Highlights the complete halt of communication.

disrupted link

Emphasizes the disruption of a connection, whether physical or abstract.

ended communication

Simple and direct way to state that communication has stopped.

failed link

Implies a failure in the connection or link.

ruptured connection

Indicates a sudden and forceful break in the connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost connection" to describe situations where a physical or emotional link is broken. For example, "The device "lost connection" to the network", or "They "lost connection" after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "lost connection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "disconnected", "severed ties", or "interrupted communication".

Is it correct to say "loss of connection" instead of "lost connection"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "lost connection" is more concise and commonly used. "Loss of connection" is more formal but can sound less natural in everyday speech.

Can "lost connection" refer to both people and devices?

Yes, "lost connection" can be used to describe a break in communication or relationship between people, as well as a break in a device's connection to a network or another device.