lost the city

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost the city" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something has failed to maintain control or possession of a city, often in a historical or metaphorical sense. Example: "After a long siege, the army finally lost the city to their enemies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He lost the city.

The New York Times - Sports

The rebels lost the city to government forces five years ago.

The New York Times

They lost the city again for three days earlier this year and were finally routed on Nov. 11.

The New York Times

Mr. Paladino did win Erie County, which includes Buffalo, but in an embarrassing rebuke he lost the city to Mr. Cuomo by two to one.

The New York Times

He improved the fortifications of Namur but lost the city to a French siege in 1692 and did not regain it until 1695.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is what happened at the start of April, when IS lost the city of Tikrit in Iraq but took over the long-suffering Yarmouk camp in Syria.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He has lost the cities because of the corruption.

The Guardian - Books

The Greeks lose the city after too many late nights spent with dancing girls.

The New York Times

Glasgow hotels have been urged not to "fleece" visitors seeking accommodation at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and risk losing the city's "friendly" tag.

BBC

Anthony and Cleopatra are about to lose the city of Alexandria to the Roman army.

Huffington Post

When a team like the Seahawks loses the city goes quiet, and most people can enjoy the peaceful and calm of the Northwest.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost the city" to describe situations where control or possession of a city is relinquished, especially in historical or political contexts. For contemporary settings, consider specifying how the city was lost (e.g. through military defeat, political upheaval, economic decline).

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "lost the city" in casual conversations or informal writing can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Choose more appropriate alternatives like "gave up the city" or "left the city" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost the city" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of losing control or possession of a city. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing historical or metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost the city" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes the failure to maintain control or possession of a city. Ludwig AI validates its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's best suited for situations involving historical accounts, political upheavals, or military conflicts. When using "lost the city", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality. For casual conversations, alternative expressions like "gave up the city" or "left the city" may be more appropriate. Related phrases include "relinquished control of the city", "surrendered the city", and "abandoned the city", each carrying subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relinquished control of the city

Emphasizes the act of giving up control, often implying a deliberate decision.

the city fell

A concise way of stating the city's capture or loss of independence.

surrendered the city

Highlights the act of formally yielding the city, typically in a conflict situation.

yielded the city

Similar to 'surrendered', but can also suggest a more passive giving way to pressure or circumstance.

abandoned the city

Focuses on the act of leaving the city behind, often implying a sense of desolation or defeat.

succumbed and lost the city

Highlights the city's submission to defeat or overwhelming force.

were ousted from the city

Indicates being forcefully removed from control or power within the city.

failed to defend the city

Emphasizes the inability to protect the city from external threats or enemies.

the enemy seized the city

Highlights the adversary's action of forcefully taking control.

forfeited the city

Highlights loss as a consequence of one's actions

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "lost the city"?

To say someone "lost the city" means they failed to maintain control or possession of it. This can refer to military defeat, political failure, or other circumstances leading to the loss of authority over the city.

What can I say instead of "lost the city"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relinquished control of the city", "surrendered the city", or "abandoned the city".

Is it correct to say "the city was lost"?

Yes, "the city was lost" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that means the same as someone "lost the city".

How is "lost the city" different from "abandoned the city"?

"Lost the city" generally implies a struggle or conflict leading to the loss of control, while "abandoned the city" suggests a voluntary or forced evacuation, leaving the city undefended.