lost no time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost no time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone acted quickly or without delay in a particular situation. Example: "After receiving the news, she lost no time in organizing the meeting to discuss the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Mills lost no time in reacting.

The New York Times

No record was made, and the passenger lost no time.

The Washington Post

The cities have lost no time in starting their campaigns.

The New York Times

He lost no time in using his special powers.

The New Yorker

He lost no time in appointing himself Africa's spokesman.

The Economist

Some lost no time and began denouncing their colleagues.

The New Yorker

She has lost no time getting down to work.

The Economist

Fashion, too, has lost no time in embracing hygge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ms. Gilbert lost no time translating that brief.

The New York Times

The Obama campaign lost no time in responding.

The New York Times

He wisely lost no time clearing out of there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost no time", ensure the context clearly indicates what action was taken without delay. The phrase is most effective when the promptness is noteworthy or commendable.

Common error

Avoid using "lost no time" when simply stating a sequence of events without highlighting the speed of response. For example, instead of saying "He entered the room and lost no time sitting down", consider "He entered the room and immediately sat down" if the speed is the key point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost no time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to modify a verb and emphasize the speed and immediacy of an action. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing that the phrase almost invariably highlights how quickly someone responded or acted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost no time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the speed and immediacy of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and is considered appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Alternatives like "wasted no time" or "acted promptly" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the phrase when you want to highlight that someone responded or acted without delay, and be mindful of maintaining clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wasted no time

Emphasizes that no time was spent idly or unproductively.

didn't delay

A more straightforward way of saying there was no postponement.

acted promptly

Focuses on the speed and efficiency of the action taken.

moved quickly

Highlights the speed of movement or action.

without hesitation

Highlights the decisiveness and lack of doubt in taking action.

responded immediately

Stresses the instantaneous nature of the response.

expeditiously

Emphasizes the efficiency and speed with which something was done.

at once

Indicates that something happened immediately or simultaneously.

made haste

Suggests a sense of urgency and quick action.

forthwith

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for immediately.

FAQs

What does "lost no time" mean?

The phrase "lost no time" means that someone acted quickly or without delay in a particular situation. It emphasizes the immediacy and promptness of an action.

How can I use "lost no time" in a sentence?

You can use "lost no time" to describe someone's quick reaction or decision. For instance: "After the announcement, the company "wasted no time" in implementing the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "lost no time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "wasted no time", "acted promptly", or "responded immediately". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lose no time" instead of "lost no time"?

While "lose no time" might be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "lost no time" is the more common and idiomatic way to express that someone acted without delay. "Lose no time" could be used as an imperative, urging someone not to delay.