they are lost

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are lost" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about people who are unable to find their way. For example, "My brother and his friends went hiking in the woods and now they are lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Like Tony Manero and Jon, that does not mean they are lost or devoid of heart.

Huffington Post

This mechanistic difference may explain, at least in part, the differential impact on prostate cancer when they are lost.

Cell Death and Disease

And they are lost.

The New Yorker

And they are lost, too.

The Economist

They are lost.

The Guardian

If they seem vulnerable, they are lost.

The New York Times

"They are lost in an unjust system".

The New Yorker

But they are lost, gone.

The Guardian - Books

Already lost, now they are lost utterly.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

While correlations among IEG proteins and with nNOS are present in controls, they are lost in Tc1 mice.

Human Molecular Genetics

Sign up now Theyet the best of VICE Careda delostred straight to your inbox.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are lost" when referring to a group of people or entities that cannot find their way, whether physically or metaphorically. Ensure the context clarifies the type of being lost.

Common error

Avoid using "they are lost" solely for physical locations; it can also apply to situations, ideas, or emotional states. Overusing it in only one context diminishes its broader applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are lost" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group is unable to find their way, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show usage in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are lost" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase. As verified by Ludwig, it describes a state of being unable to find one's way, whether physically or metaphorically. The phrase appears frequently in news media, science, encyclopedias and wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases, like "they are disoriented" or "they have lost their way", can offer nuances that better suit specific situations. Understanding the scope of "lost" helps writers use it effectively and avoid limiting its potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have lost their way

Another way to say that they don't know how to get to their destination.

they are without direction

Directly states the absence of a clear path or guidance.

they are disoriented

Focuses on the feeling of confusion and lack of direction.

they are off course

Suggests a deviation from the intended or correct path.

they are adrift

Emphasizes the lack of control and aimless wandering.

they are bewildered

Highlights the state of being confused and perplexed.

they are off the beaten path

Highlights that they are in a location not commonly traveled or known.

they are gone astray

Implies a moral or behavioral deviation, in addition to physical displacement.

they are missing

Focuses on the fact that their whereabouts are unknown.

they are not found

A passive way of saying their location is unknown or undiscovered.

FAQs

How can I use "they are lost" in a sentence?

You can use "they are lost" to describe a group that is unable to find their way, such as: "The hikers realized "they are lost" in the forest" or, metaphorically, "Without guidance, "they are lost" in confusion".

What's a more formal way to say "they are lost"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they are disoriented", "they have become separated", or "their whereabouts are currently unknown" as more formal alternatives.

What is the difference between "they are lost" and "they are missing"?

"They are lost" generally implies that the subjects have unintentionally deviated from their intended path or location. "They are missing" suggests that their location is unknown, often implying a more serious situation, such as an accident or foul play.

Can "they are lost" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "they are lost" can be used metaphorically to describe a state of confusion, disorientation, or lack of direction in a non-physical sense. For example, "Without a clear strategy, "they are lost" in the complexities of the market".