such a loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"such a loss" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a sense of great sadness or disappointment over the loss of something or someone. This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, such as: - "Her sudden passing was such a loss to the community." - "Losing the championship game was such a loss for the team." - "I can't believe we have to say goodbye to our beloved pet. It's such a loss for our family." - "The destruction caused by the hurricane is such a loss for the affected communities." In each of these examples, "such a loss" is used to emphasize the magnitude of the loss and convey a deep feeling of sadness or grief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a loss!

Yale University

It's such a loss".

The Guardian

"It was such a loss of control".

The New Yorker

Hugely likeable, Charles Kenedy such a loss.

Independent

How could such a loss be hidden?

The New York Times

"His own ignorance… was such a loss.

The Guardian - Books

For me 'tis such a loss.

The New York Times

That's why Waze was such a loss.

The Guardian - Tech

He is such a loss to my family also.

The New York Times

"Yet, oddly, it doesn't feel like such a loss".

The New York Times

All this is such a loss to the reader.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing sympathy, use "such a loss" to directly acknowledge the significance of what has been lost. This provides immediate validation of the other person's feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "such a loss" repeatedly in formal reports or business communications. Opt for more specific and nuanced language that precisely describes the impact of the loss, such as "significant financial implications" or "decline in market share".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a loss" primarily functions as an exclamatory phrase used to express a strong feeling of sadness, disappointment, or regret over something that has been lost. It emphasizes the significance of the loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a loss" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong sense of sadness or disappointment. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is acceptable and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While its simplicity makes it versatile, careful consideration should be given to the specific tone required by more formal writing situations. When looking for related expressions to "such a loss", consider phrases like "a great misfortune" or "devastating blow" to ensure the emotional intensity of the phrase is maintained. Remember to use this phrase strategically to express empathy or acknowledge the significance of a loss effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a real tragedy

Indicates a serious and unfortunate event, highlighting the severity of the loss.

a devastating blow

Conveys a strong sense of impact and destruction caused by the loss.

a great misfortune

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the event, focusing on the negative impact.

a crushing defeat

Suggests a complete and demoralizing failure.

a regrettable event

Highlights the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

a grievous disappointment

Expresses a deep sense of letdown and frustration.

a sad occurrence

Describes the event as unfortunate and evokes feelings of sadness.

a painful setback

Focuses on the hindering effect of the loss, suggesting a step backward.

a terrible shame

Emphasizes the regrettable and disgraceful nature of the loss.

an unfortunate circumstance

Downplays the emotional impact, focusing on the unfavorable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "such a loss" in a sentence?

You can use "such a loss" to express sympathy or emphasize the significance of something that has been lost. For instance, "The closing of the local library is "such a loss" for the community" or "His passing is "such a loss" to the field of medicine".

What are some alternatives to "such a loss"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "great misfortune", "regrettable event", or "devastating blow".

Is it appropriate to use "such a loss" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "such a loss" may be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more specific and descriptive language to convey the impact of the loss, or rephrasing to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "a loss" and "such a loss"?

"A loss" simply acknowledges that something has been lost, while ""such a loss"" emphasizes the significance or magnitude of the loss, conveying a stronger sense of disappointment or sadness.