lost connections

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost connections" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe relationships, communications, or links that have been severed or are no longer present. Example: "After years of living in different cities, I realized I had lost connections with many of my childhood friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Finally, after a few more lost connections, I made it through the first week.

The New York Times - Arts

Milosz's poetry during this period of dislocation and relocation suffers from, to borrow a phrase, an air of lost connections.

The New York Times - Books

British Telecom said the new mobile phones lost connections as users traveled from one area to another.

The New York Times

Lush one moment and highly articulated the next, the horns — especially Mr. Brandford's alto, which rose in solo above the band — revealed no evidence of lost connections.

The New York Times

He seizes the concrete, knows how to paint the brief vivid picture, and draws the reader into a beguiling air of lost connections.

The New Yorker

But with an electron microscope's higher magnification he was surprised to see surviving neurons spilling into the area of the damage, replacing lost connections.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

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

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, using "lost connections" highlights issues with network stability or data transmission.

Common error

Avoid using "lost connections" in highly formal or technical reports where more precise terminology like "disrupted links" or "severed networks" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost connections" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It can act as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing the state of being disconnected or the absence of previous links, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost connections" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe severed relationships, disrupted communications, or missing links. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, with science and wiki articles also showing significant usage. When writing, remember that while broadly applicable, more specific terminology may be needed in formal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "disrupted communications" or "severed ties" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken links

Emphasizes the idea of something that was once linked or connected, now being fractured or non-functional.

severed ties

Focuses on the ending or cutting off of relationships or bonds.

disrupted communications

Highlights a breakdown or interruption in the process of conveying information.

interrupted relationships

Similar to severed ties, but may imply a temporary rather than permanent end.

lapsed correspondence

Specific to written or other forms of direct communication that has stopped.

weakened bonds

Indicates a decline in the strength of connections between people or things.

failed linkages

Focuses on the failure of attempts to create or maintain a connection.

disjointed communications

Communications that are no longer smooth or coherent.

absent relationships

Indicates a current lack of a relationship that once existed.

disconnected networks

Highlighting physical or virtual networks that are no longer operating together.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost connections" to describe severed relationships, disrupted communications, or missing links. For example, "The old friends mourned the "lost connections" that time and distance had created."

What's a good alternative to "lost connections" in a formal setting?

In formal or technical contexts, consider alternatives such as "disrupted links", "severed ties", or "failed linkages" for greater precision.

Is it better to say "lost connections" or "losing connections"?

Both "lost connections" and "losing connections" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Lost connections" refers to connections that have already been severed, while "losing connections" refers to the process of connections being severed.

What are some common themes associated with "lost connections"?

Common themes associated with "lost connections" include regret, sadness, nostalgia, and the passage of time. It can also relate to technical failures where network or data links are disrupted.