something to lose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something to lose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where a person has something valuable or important that they risk losing. Example: "He was hesitant to take the job offer because he felt he had something to lose in his current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now he has something to lose.

The New York Times

People still have something to lose.

The New York Times

Arguably, though, Russians have something to lose.

The New York Times

Everyone else has something to lose.

The Economist

Something to lose yourself in.

The Guardian - Books

That's not something to lose sight of.

The Guardian - Opinion

We feel we have something to lose.

The Guardian

"Because we have something to lose".

The New York Times

They feel they have something to lose from populist adventures.

The Economist

Almost every example involved someone with something to lose.

The Economist

"Yes, the protesters have something to lose," Ulgen told me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something to lose", clarify what that "something" specifically is to give your writing more precision and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "something to lose" without specifying what is at risk. Vague statements diminish the impact and make the sentence less meaningful. Instead, be specific about what stands to be lost, such as "reputation", "financial stability", or "personal relationships".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something to lose" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes the existence of potential risks or disadvantages associated with a particular action or situation. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something to lose" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies the presence of potential risks or negative consequences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to highlight the stakes involved in a situation, often influencing decisions and actions. Common usage involves clarifying what that "something" specifically is to enhance clarity and impact. While the phrase is frequently employed, it's crucial to avoid vagueness by explicitly stating what is at risk. The phrase is best suited for neutral to professional communication and can be replaced with alternatives like "a stake in the matter" or "an asset at risk" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stake in the matter

Focuses on having an interest or involvement that could be affected.

an asset at risk

Highlights the potential loss of a valuable possession.

a vested interest

Emphasizes a personal or financial stake that could be negatively impacted.

potential downside

Refers to a possible negative consequence or disadvantage.

exposure to risk

Highlights the vulnerability to danger or harm.

a liability to consider

Focuses on a possible obligation or debt that could arise.

possible repercussions

Emphasizes the potential negative effects or consequences.

detrimental effects

Highlights the harmful or damaging consequences that could occur.

grounds for caution

Suggests reasons to be careful or wary due to potential negative outcomes.

cause for concern

Indicates a reason to feel worried or anxious about possible losses.

FAQs

How can I use "something to lose" in a sentence?

Use "something to lose" to emphasize the potential negative consequences or risks involved in a particular situation. For instance, "He hesitated to speak out because he knew he had "something to lose", including his job and reputation".

What is the difference between "something to lose" and "nothing to lose"?

"Something to lose" implies a situation where an individual or entity has valuable assets or advantages that could be compromised, while "nothing to lose" suggests a situation where there are no significant potential downsides or risks, offering greater freedom to act.

What can I say instead of "something to lose"?

You can use alternatives like "a stake in the matter", "an asset at risk", or "a vested interest" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "something to lose" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "something to lose" when you want to highlight the potential risks or negative outcomes associated with a decision, action, or situation. It is especially useful when contrasting it with scenarios where individuals or entities have "nothing to lose".