lost the ability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost the ability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something can no longer perform a specific function or task. Example: "After the accident, she lost the ability to walk without assistance."

✓ 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 the phrase "lost the ability to", ensure the context clearly explains how and why the ability was lost to provide a comprehensive understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that overuse the passive voice with "lost the ability to". Instead, consider using active voice to emphasize the cause or agent responsible for the loss of ability. For example, instead of "The patient lost the ability to walk due to the disease", try "The disease caused the patient to lose the ability to walk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost the ability to" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a loss of capacity or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing loss of physical abilities, cognitive functions, and emotional states.

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, the phrase "lost the ability to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a diminished or absent capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports and scientific articles to more informal discussions about personal experiences. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, with Science and Lifestyle contexts also being prevalent. Alternatives include "became incapable of" and "is no longer able to". When using this phrase, it's important to provide context about the cause of the loss and consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. This phrase is very common in written english and you can find a lot of good examples in the search results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to

Another simple and direct alternative, indicating current inability. High similarity.

can no longer

A simple and direct alternative, indicating current inability. High similarity.

is no longer able to

A more direct and commonly used substitute phrase. High semantic similarity.

became incapable of

Focuses on the resulting state of being unable to do something. Semantic similarity is high.

was rendered unable to

Implies an external cause leading to the inability. Semantic similarity is high.

forfeited the capacity to

Emphasizes a loss, possibly due to specific actions or circumstances. Maintains a high degree of semantic similarity.

suffered a loss of ability to

Emphasizes the negative impact of losing the ability. Maintains a high degree of semantic similarity.

ceased to be capable of

Highlights a process of decline or termination of ability. Similar meaning.

experienced a decline in the ability to

Highlights a gradual reduction in capability. Focuses on the process. Similar meaning.

had the capacity removed to

Indicates an active removal of capability, possibly by external forces. Maintains a high degree of semantic similarity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lost the ability to" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "became incapable of" or "forfeited the capacity to" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some common reasons why someone might "lose the ability to" do something?

People can "lose the ability to" due to various reasons, including illness, injury, trauma, aging, or disuse. The specific cause is usually context-dependent.

Is it better to say "lost the ability to" or "can no longer"?

Both "lost the ability to" and "can no longer" are correct, but "can no longer" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Can "lost the ability to" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "lost the ability to" can be used metaphorically to describe a diminished or absent capacity in non-physical contexts, such as "lost the ability to trust" or "lost the ability to focus".