not to lose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to lose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to avoid losing something, whether it be an opportunity, a game, or a relationship. Example: "I always try my best in competitions, not to lose my chance at winning the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trying not to lose?

The New York Times - Sports

You played not to lose.

The New York Times - Sports

Both try not to lose the kids.

The New York Times - Travel

We were determined not to lose.

Independent

They are determined not to lose it.

The Economist

Moyes set us up not to lose.

Independent

Still, he tried not to lose hope.

The New Yorker

"Women play not to lose".

The New York Times

He's probably trying not to lose it.

The Guardian - Music

It is important not to lose that.

The Guardian

It is important not to lose momentum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not to lose", ensure it clearly indicates the purpose or intention of avoiding a specific loss. For instance, "He trained rigorously not to lose the championship."

Common error

Avoid using "not to lose" vaguely. Always specify what you aim to avoid losing. Instead of saying "They played cautiously not to lose", clarify with "They played cautiously not to lose their lead."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to lose" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it describing goals, strategies, and motivations focused on avoiding negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to lose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the purpose of avoiding a specific loss or negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, its usage spans from formal reporting to practical advice. To enhance clarity, ensure the intended loss is clearly defined in your writing. Alternatives such as "avoid losing" offer subtle variations in tone and formality, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid losing

Focuses on the action of evading a loss, emphasizing prevention.

avert defeat

Focuses on successfully preventing an impending loss.

prevent from losing

Highlights proactive measures taken to stop a loss from occurring.

guard against losing

Implies a defensive strategy to protect against potential loss.

ward off loss

Emphasizes deflecting or repelling circumstances that could cause a loss.

ensure against defeat

Stresses the importance of guaranteeing a non-losing outcome.

refrain from losing

Highlights the conscious decision to abstain from actions that could lead to a loss.

make certain of not losing

Emphasizes the assurance needed to avoid a loss.

steer clear of defeat

Suggests navigating to avoid a losing situation.

secure a win

Shifts the focus to achieving a positive outcome rather than avoiding a negative one.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not to lose" to sound more positive?

You can use phrases like "to win", "to secure victory", or "to achieve success" to emphasize a positive outcome rather than avoiding a negative one.

Is it ever better to use "to avoid losing" instead of "not to lose"?

While both are correct, "to avoid losing" can sometimes sound more formal or deliberate, while "not to lose" might be perceived as more direct or urgent. Choose the phrasing that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "not to lose" and "without losing"?

"Not to lose" expresses an intention or purpose, as in "I practice every day not to lose my skills". "Without losing" describes a condition or state, such as "He completed the race without losing his focus".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "not to lose"?

The phrase "not to lose" is appropriate in contexts where the primary focus is on preventing a negative outcome, such as in sports, business, or personal goals. It is useful when explaining strategies or motivations aimed at avoiding defeat or failure.