lost the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has become unable to do or use something that they once could do or use. For example: "The cat had lost the ability to walk after its accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I lost the ability to trust.

The Guardian

C.L.: You lost the ability to draw.

The New Yorker

I have lost the ability to bullshit".

The Guardian - Film

We've lost the ability to read anonymously.

The Guardian - Tech

C.L.: You lost the ability to speak.

The New Yorker

I've honestly lost the ability to tell.

The Washington Post

I was deathly sick and lost the ability to walk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We had lost the ability to fend for ourselves.

The Guardian - Travel

Man has lost the ability to take a nap.

The Guardian - Books

Lately, they'd lost the ability to do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had lost the ability to form new memories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost the ability", ensure the context clearly indicates what the ability was and why it was lost. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lost the ability" without specifying the ability in question. For example, instead of saying "He lost the ability", specify "He lost the ability to speak" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost the ability" functions as a verb phrase complement, typically followed by an infinitive phrase indicating the specific skill or capacity that has been diminished or eliminated. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a state of incapacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lost the ability" is a versatile phrase used to describe the reduction or absence of a particular skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It is frequently found in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Lifestyle, indicating its relevance across various domains. While grammatically straightforward, clarity is key, so specific contexts help a user to understand what kind of ability has been lost. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies the lost ability for maximum impact. Alternatives like "incapable of" or "unable to" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost the capacity to

Substitutes "ability" with "capacity", implying a similar lack of inherent potential.

no longer able to

Indicates a change in state, emphasizing that ability was present before but is now absent.

unable to

Similar to "incapable of", this phrase states a lack of ability or capacity.

find it impossible to

Focuses on the subjective experience of being unable to perform an action, implying a barrier or obstacle.

incapable of

Replaces "lost the ability" with a direct statement of being unable to perform an action.

can no longer

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the inability to do something.

has ceased to be able to

A more formal and emphatic way of stating that an ability has been completely lost.

lacking the skill to

Focuses specifically on the absence of a learned skill, rather than general ability.

deficient in the power to

Emphasizes a lack of inherent strength or power to accomplish something.

deprived of the faculty to

Implies something was taken away, removing the natural or inherent ability.

FAQs

How can I use "lost the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "lost the ability" to describe a decline or absence of a skill or capacity. For example, "Due to the injury, she "lost the ability" to walk".

What are some alternatives to saying "lost the ability"?

Alternatives include "incapable of", "unable to", or "no longer able to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lost the ability to" or "lost the capacity to"?

Both "lost the ability to" and "lost the capacity to" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. "Ability" generally refers to a skill, while "capacity" can refer to a broader potential or inherent characteristic.

What causes someone to "lose the ability" to do something?

Someone can "lose the ability" due to various reasons, including injury, illness, aging, or trauma. The specific cause should be clarified in the context for better understanding.