lost for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost for a while" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's state of confusion, distraction, or aimlessness over a period of time. For example, "The explorer was lost for a while in the desert before he found his way back to civilization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Low point: "I was very lost for a while a couple of years ago.

The Guardian

When it comes to contemporary dance, adults are prepared to be lost for a while.

The Guardian

Thomas said the Knicks will make do if Camby is lost for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

She told the crowd: "I got really lost for a while and didn't know whether I'd ever come back.

The Guardian - Music

In true precept form, I'm going to start with an anecdote, kinda get lost for a while, and only stop after I've alienated everyone in earshot.

Princeton University

One of my children was lost for a while, dropped out of college, made mistakes, came home to live, then took classes at the local community college.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Even if it means they don't end up making that much money (or losing for a while), getting that install base is important because Aivia can figure out what users are actually doing with the speaker.

TechCrunch

Rubio's been losing for a while.

Huffington Post

As things continue to slow the momentum dips somewhat, a momentary lull takes over and the audience seem lost for a brief while.

Independent

He was lost for a little while, partnering his friend and former Arsenal full-back Arthur Shaw as a professional gambler for two years and running a drinking club in Soho's Tin Pan Alley.

Independent

Real music which is, perhaps, something that has been lost for quite a while now".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost for a while" to describe a temporary state of confusion, disorientation, or being out of touch. It implies a return to a normal state is expected.

Common error

Do not use the phrase if the state of being lost is intended to be permanent. Instead, consider using "permanently lost" or "irretrievably lost" if the situation is irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost for a while" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate a temporary state of being disoriented, confused, or absent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost for a while" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a temporary state of confusion, disorientation, or absence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, it's also present in Academia and Science contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings. Be mindful to use it for temporary states, not permanent conditions, and consider synonyms like "temporarily disoriented" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporarily disoriented

Shortens the original phrase while maintaining a similar meaning.

disoriented temporarily

Focuses on the disorientation aspect, implying a temporary state.

confused for a period

Highlights confusion as the primary state, specifying a duration.

mentally checked out temporarily

Focuses on a mental state of disengagement for a short time.

adrift for some time

Emphasizes aimlessness and lack of direction over a duration.

in a daze for a moment

Highlights a brief, dreamy state of confusion.

temporarily discombobulated

Uses a more informal term for disorientation, implying a brief duration.

not oneself for a time

Suggests a temporary alteration in one's typical state of being.

out of touch for a bit

Shifts the meaning slightly towards being disconnected or unaware.

absent for a season

Implies physical or mental absence for a certain period.

FAQs

How can I use "lost for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "lost for a while" to describe a temporary state of confusion or disorientation, such as, "After the accident, he was "lost for a while" before regaining his memory."

What's the difference between "lost for a while" and "confused for a while"?

"Lost for a while" suggests a broader sense of disorientation, while "confused for a while" specifically refers to a lack of understanding or clarity.

What are some synonyms for "lost for a while"?

Some synonyms include "disoriented temporarily", "adrift for some time", or "temporarily discombobulated".

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

While "lost for a while" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "temporarily disoriented" or "momentarily confused" for academic or professional contexts.