lost tempo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost tempo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the rhythm or pace of something has diminished or been disrupted. Example: "During the second half of the game, the team lost tempo and struggled to maintain their earlier momentum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We lost tempo.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

"In the second half we lost tempo, it's something we'll work on, we need to maintain the tempo from the first half and we didn't, we fell away a bit.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Downing kept conjuring chances but collectively Boro were losing tempo and momentum, leaving the 21,000-plus crowd increasingly subdued and, briefly, alarmed when a slip from Fernando Amorebieta allowed Jordan Bowery a chance which he could not convert.

The Guardian - Sport

Without Mousa Dembele they had lost their tempo in midfield.

Independent

Then, Sanchez said, the Jets lost their tempo.

The New York Times - Sports

The heart lead lost the tempo for the defense.

The New York Times - Arts

Woods, failing for once to fire on all cylinders, lost both tempo and temper and was fortunate in the extreme to get round in 71.

The Guardian - Sport

Also, they were occasionally losing the tempo during some of the zanier stage actions instigated by the director, Jonathan Kent — notably, a sequence in which they donned pink-and-white bunny suits and simulated a variety of sex acts.

The New Yorker

As soon as a student loses the tempo or plays a note out of tune, "rushes" or "drags," he holds up his right hand - and everyone immediately stops playing as he harangues the unfortunate "squeaker" or yells at the "pansy-ass weeping and slobbering over my drum kit like a nine year old girl".

Independent

After 3 d4 d6 4 e4 e5, the pawn structure is like that of a Robatsch Defense, but Gulko headed into an endgame with 5 de de (5... Be5 loses a tempo to either 6 f4 or 6 Nf3 because the black king bishop is too important to be traded).

The New York Times

Toward the end of the round, he starts to lose the tempo of the sample, but he's going so fast that it goes by unnoticed as he recovers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost tempo", ensure the context clearly indicates what is losing pace or rhythm. For instance, specify whether it's a team, a project, or a musical piece.

Common error

Avoid using "lost tempo" when you actually mean "changed tempo". The former implies an undesirable slowing or disruption, while the latter simply indicates a shift in pace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost tempo" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating a decrease or disruption in the pace, rhythm, or momentum of an activity or process. Ludwig shows that it's often used in contexts relating to sports, music or project management.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost tempo" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe a decrease in pace, rhythm, or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and correct usage. While relatively rare, it's most frequently found in news and sports reporting. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure that it clearly conveys the intended meaning of a slowing down or disruption. Alternative phrases like "lost momentum" or "slowed the pace" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost momentum

This alternative focuses on the loss of impetus or driving force.

lost rhythm

This alternative highlights the disruption of a regular, harmonious pattern.

dropped the beat

This alternative, more informal, suggests a failure to maintain a consistent rhythm, often in music or dance.

slowed the pace

This alternative directly indicates a reduction in speed or rate.

lost the thread

This alternative implies a loss of focus or direction, leading to a disruption in the flow.

fell behind

This alternative indicates a failure to keep up with a required speed or standard.

stalled

This alternative describes a sudden cessation of progress or movement.

lost steam

This alternative suggests a decrease in energy or enthusiasm, leading to reduced momentum.

became sluggish

This alternative describes a state of being slow, inactive, or lacking energy.

lost its edge

This alternative implies a reduction in sharpness, effectiveness, or competitive advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost tempo" to describe a situation where something has slowed down or lost its rhythm. For example, "The team "lost tempo" in the second half of the game."

What's a good alternative to "lost tempo"?

Alternatives to "lost tempo" include "lost momentum", "lost rhythm", or "slowed the pace", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lost a tempo" instead of "lost tempo"?

While grammatically understandable, "lost a tempo" is not as common or idiomatic as ""lost tempo"". The latter is generally preferred.

What does it mean to say something "lost tempo"?

To say something ""lost tempo"" means that it has decreased in speed, rhythm, or momentum. It implies a reduction in the pace or flow of something.